The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN), through the Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia (MyIPO), unveiled the Sabah Intellectual Property Development Plan 2026-2030 on May 24 to protect and promote local products from Sabah [1]. The plan aims to build a comprehensive intellectual property ecosystem covering IP protection, IP valuation, IP-based financing, and market expansion through strategic Sabah branding, said Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali [1].
This initiative targets key IP instruments such as geographical indication (GI) protection, trademarks, patents, and copyrights to improve the competitiveness of Sabah products both in Malaysia and internationally [1, 2]. As of April 2026, Malaysia had 130 registered GIs nationally, with 31 originating from Sabah, signaling Sabah’s strong contribution to the country’s IP landscape [1, 2].
Sabah Tea, owned by Desa Tea Sdn Bhd in Ranau, is a prominent example of successful GI protection. Its plantation spans approximately 6,200 acres and began operations in 1973, starting tea production in 1978 [2]. Beyond tea cultivation, Sabah Tea has expanded into hospitality, experiential tourism, and downstream products that leverage its geographic identity and heritage [2].
Datuk Armizan highlighted that geographical indication protections create multiplier economic effects in local communities by boosting activities in tourism, homestays, restaurants, transportation, and handicraft sectors around product regions [1]. “GI also creates a multiplier effect for local communities through tourism activities and economic value chains such as homestays, restaurants, transportation and handicrafts in areas surrounding product production,” he said [1].
The Sabah Intellectual Property Development Plan was announced alongside the Intellectual Property Roadshow program, launched on May 24, which focused on Sabah Tea and showcased the benefits of IP protections for local products [1]. The next phase will involve implementing IP valuation and IP-based financing mechanisms to further support Sabah entrepreneurs and businesses.
The Ministry’s plan sets a clear roadmap to elevate Sabah’s economic strengths through enhanced intellectual property safeguards, with initiatives running through 2030 [1].
