State Budget 2025 Overview: Key Benefits for the Community
By AVV
KOTA KINABALU: The State Budget 2025 introduces a series of programmes and financial assistance initiatives aimed at enhancing the well-being of the people in Sabah.
One of them is a monthly financial support which is a monthly benefit of RM300 to be provided to eligible individuals for a duration of one year. This initiative is designed to alleviate financial burdens and support families in need.
There is also the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Friendly Homes Project where an allocation of RM250 million has been earmarked for the development of 3,000 housing units across Sabah.
There will also be one-off Assistance for Small Traders, such as a one-time financial assistance of RM5,000 to be granted to small roadside stall traders who possess valid business licenses. This support is intended to help these entrepreneurs sustain their businesses and recover from economic challenges.
There are also special allocations for development initiatives, including a total of RM214 million allocated for various small development programmes across Sabah.
This funding will support facilities preparation and area repair programme (MESEJ), enhancing local infrastructure to improve community facilities.
Amenities and Village Economy Programme, investing in amenities that boost local economies and improve the quality of life for residents.
Alternative Rural Electricity Supply Programme, expanding access to reliable electricity in rural areas, fostering economic growth and development.
Alternative Rural Water Supply Programme, ensuring access to clean and safe water for rural communities, which is essential for health and well-being.
Additional Economic Activity Programme, with RM19.5 million to stimulate economic activities..
For Women, the Department of Women's Affairs Sabah (JHEWA) under the Ministry of Community Development and People's Welfare has been allocated RM9.73 million to enhance various initiatives aimed at addressing critical social issues.
This funding will support awareness programme focused on raising awareness about child marriage issues, flagship programme dedicated to supporting women's entrepreneurship development and gender sensitivity programme, targeted at promoting gender sensitivity in rural areas and legal clinic and counseling outreach providing legal assistance and counseling services.
This grant will benefit 186 Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) under JHEWA, enabling them to implement these vital programmes effectively.
Yayasan Usaha Maju (YUM) has been allocated RM11.6 million to go towards Microcredit programme for women entrepreneurs
Young Women Entrepreneurship Project will also benefit with Provision of microloans at low-interest rates.
For Youth, there will be Scholarships, Bursary & State Student Assistance Programme worth RM127 million benefiting, 7,130 active students and 3,000 new students. The Higher Education Student Contribution in Sabah (SENTOSA) will receive a one-off RM300 per person, Cash Assistance for IPT Registration (BUDI) - One-off for Degree level RM2,000 and Diploma /Matriculation RM1,500.
There will be Flight Ticket Subsidy for Graduates Missing Sabah (SUBFLY) - RM600 per person, School Activity Contribution (SUKSES) - One-off RM3,000 and School Assistance Programme - RM26.06 million benefiting 291,275 students.
There will be also continuing assistance of Computer Assistance (BAIK), Special Examination Assistance (BAKTI), State Education Savings Assistance (BISTARI), Sabah Education Excellence Award (AKSA) PIBG Activity Assistance (BAGUS) and Sabah School Assistance (BISBAH) as well as Special Education Programme Assistance (BANTU).
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