State Government Implements Numerous Initiatives for State Development and Public Welfare
- nabalunews
- a few seconds ago
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28 April 2025
SOOK: The State Government, led by the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) and PH Plus, has not only devised plans but has also implemented numerous initiatives focused on economic development and the welfare of the people, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor.
He stated that claims made by the opposition suggesting that the GRS-PH Plus government has not brought any development to the state are untrue. Such accusations are merely attempts to deny the achievements that the government has accomplished.
“However, we will not remain silent; rather, we will continue to work towards the development of the state and the welfare of its people. Various forms of assistance have been provided to the public, particularly to children from B40 families who have successfully continued their studies at higher education institutions (IPT).
“Among the assistance offered includes the University Registration Cash Aid (BUDI) and Special Examination Cash Aid (BAKTI), as well as the Computer Aid Assistance (BAIK) and a subsidy of RM600 for Sabah students (GRS-SUBFLY) studying in Peninsular Malaysia and Sarawak, in addition to the Higher Education Contribution for Students in the State (SENTOSA) amounting to RM300.
"This is part of approximately 13 initiatives in the State Government's Education Aid to eligible students in the state,” he said during the Launch Ceremony for the Elevation of Sook to Full District at the District Office Courtyard in Keningau on Monday.
Hajiji noted that other initiatives for the less fortunate this year include the construction of 3,000 units of SMJ Friendly Homes across all 73 State Assembly areas, involving a cost of RM250 million.
He mentioned that one of the latest assistance provided by the state government starting this year is the People’s Touch Programme (SYUKUR), which will benefit around 100,000 recipients in Sabah, particularly poor and hardcore poor heads of households eligible for cash assistance of RM300 per month until the end of the year.
Addressing the issues of water supply, electricity, and roads that are frequently used as political fodder by the opposition, he acknowledged that the government is addressing inherited problems but is always striving to resolve these issues.
He said that 13 high-impact water supply development projects have been implemented and are ongoing as long-term measures to ensure sufficient water supply in the state. Among these projects are the Tawau Phase 3 Water Supply Scheme, construction of the Kundasang Water Treatment Plant, the new Semporna Water Treatment Plant, the Lahad Datu Phase 1 Water Supply Scheme, and the capacity expansion of the Telibong II Water Treatment Plant.
“Meanwhile, the capacity expansion project for the Kogopon Water Treatment Plant Phase Two in Papar, which involves upgrading the capacity from 40 million litres per day (JLH) to 80 JLH, is expected to be completed by 2026,” he said.
Regarding the electricity supply issues, Hajiji remarked that various efforts have been made, including the implementation of the Ulu Padas Hydro-Electric Project, which is set to generate 187.5 megawatts (MW) of electrical power. The Sabah Energy Council has also approved nearly 1,000 MW of electricity to be generated through several electricity generation projects to enhance the energy needs of the state.
“These projects are not only aimed at addressing the electricity supply issues in Sabah but also represent sustainable long-term solutions for the state,” he added.
Hajiji asserted that more development will be brought to the state, revealing that recently he was informed that four out of 16 Phase 1A packages of the Sabah Pan Borneo Highway project have been completed, with the remaining 12 packages currently under construction, of which 81.7% have been completed.
“All of these are among the initiatives that we have implemented and are currently carrying out. What we are bringing has never been done before. More development will be introduced to the state for the advancement and welfare of the people if we are given a further mandate,” he stressed.
For the Sook district, Hajiji mentioned that several development projects are actively underway, including two road construction projects: the Sinaron Road from Sook to the Linayukan Road in Tongod, spanning 40 km, and the Tiulon Youth Development Plan Road in Sook, measuring 22.85 km, with respective costs of RM320 million and RM127 million, both currently in execution.
He noted that these paved roads would save time and travel costs while also promoting local economic growth.
Touching on educational development, he stated that four schools are currently under construction, namely Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Ambual, SK Rancangan Belia Tiulon, Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Dalit, and SMK Trusmadi, which are nearing completion.
Additionally, the upgrading projects for health clinics and the construction of a main distribution substation (PPU) for Sabah Electricity were completed last year.
This includes the Sook Health Clinic, which cost nearly RM1 million, along with the Karamatoi Community Clinic and Marapok Community Clinic, each valued at RM600,000.
"Furthermore, a total of 120 residents have benefited from the SMJ Friendly Homes programme from 2022 to 2024, amounting to nearly RM9.6 million in Sook. For the year 2025, the state government has allocated RM6.4 million to build 80 SMJ homes in Sook," he said.
Hajiji indicated that many more developments will be forthcoming for Sook in the future, which will benefit the people in this district, such as the construction of a sports complex, a district hospital in Sook, building a district police station, and expanding the Sook health clinic area.
"Every development brought forth is a testament to the commitment of the current state government to champion the welfare of the people and propel Sabah towards more advanced, organised, and equitable development," he affirmed.
During the ceremony, he also approved an allocation of RM2 million for the construction of an Open Hall for the Sook District and the upgrading of the Sook District Office building.
