National 2025 Budget: Sabah welcomes recognition of the State right to development

18 October 2024

KOTA KINABALU: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor expressed his support for the Madani 2025 Budget, which reflects the Unity Government's commitment to enhancing the livelihoods of the people while maintaining the nation's economic stability.

He noted that the proposed allocation of RM6.7 billion for Sabah in the upcoming year represents an increase of 0.45% from this year's allocation of RM6.67 billion.

"This funding is adequate to sustain our development projects during the final year of the 12th Malaysia Plan," he stated after viewing the live telecast of the National Budget presented by Prime Minister and Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at Menara Kinabalu today.

Also in attendance were State Finance Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun and State Secretary Datuk Seri Panglima Sr Safar Untong.

Hajiji acknowledged the Prime Minister's recognition of Sabah's undeniable right to development as outlined in the 1963 Malaysia Agreement (MA63). He highlighted the Federal Government's decision to double the interim special payment for Sabah from RM300 million to RM600 million next year as a significant development.

"Sabah appreciates the Federal Government's ongoing efforts to bridge the regional development gap by providing essential infrastructure such as roads, water, and electricity," he remarked.

The Chief Minister also welcomed the announcement regarding the acceptance letter (SST) for the 17 packages under the Pan Borneo Sabah 1B Phase, which includes key projects such as the Kota Belud - Kudat road alignment, Tawau to Kampung Lot M, and Telupid to Ranau, with a total value of RM9.7 billion. Additionally, he noted the finalisation of the Sabah-Sarawak Link Road Phase, valued at RM7.4 billion, with two packages already awarded and the remainder expected to be finalised by the end of this year. This also encompasses the upgrading of Tawau Airport and allocations for the repair of dilapidated schools in the state.

The Chief Minister concluded that the National 2025 Budget clearly indicates that Malaysia's economy is on an upward trajectory and gaining strength.