Hajiji (centre) looking at some of the latest drones at the Open Day on June 26.
KOTA KINABALU: Industries and companies in Sabah involved in agriculture and tourism should integrate drones in their daily operations, says Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
He said drones would allow businesses to grow in line with technological developments.
Hajiji said the technology has widespread use and is capable of addressing several issues immediately, including the lack of manpower in the agricultural sector.
“The integration of drone technology into Sabah’s economy will have great returns for the progress and prosperity of our state.
"However, it requires collaborative efforts from all stakeholders – the government, industry players, researchers and the community itself,” he said at Sabah Drone Open Day 2023 here on Monday (June 26).
“It is important for us to seize the opportunities offered by technology which will pave the way for diversity, increased productivity, job creation and sustainable development.
“Therefore it is important that we prepare the workforce to be empowered in the digital era through skills improvement initiatives,” he added.
Hajiji said drone applications were growing rapidly across various industries, from agriculture to infrastructure, services to delivery and environmental monitoring.
He noted that drones could also help ensure the preservation of ecosystems for future generations as well as protect nature heritage reserves that were important for tourism and environmental conservation.
“It is a new field that needs to be pioneered and we in government want to facilitate its development and growth.
“Although safety rules and drone regulations are important to ensure the responsible and safe use of drones, it is equally important that these regulations should not hinder the potential application of drones in our economic sectors,” he added.
