Sabah receives highest allocation for IKR Proects, amounting over RM500 million

KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah government has received the highest allocation for National Small-Scale Projects and People's Facilities (IKR) projects in 2023, with a sum of RM582.29 million spread across 2,301 initiatives. Finance Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir disclosed that this allocation comprised RM175.24 million for 985 IKR projects, and RM407.05 million for 1,316 smaller-scale projects.

For the current year alone, Sabah has been granted RM113.3 million to facilitate 481 IKR and small-scale projects, accounting for a total national allocation of RM323.8 million. Each project undergoes an evaluation process to assess its viability, considering aspects such as suitability, status, and site availability, before funds are released to the implementing agencies.

After touring an IKR project aimed at transforming a wooden bridge into a semi-concrete structure in Kampung Kalansanan, Nasir emphasized the Ministry's intention to prioritize the construction of small bridges in Sabah next year. He stated that the ministry will give precedence to these critical infrastructure projects when applications are received from residents or the government of Sabah.

The bridge enhancement project, valued at RM199,508 and carried out by the Kota Kinabalu City Hall as part of the IKR programme, was concluded on January 13 and involved upgrading a 200-foot (approximately 70-meter) long bridge measuring 1.8 meters in width to enhance safety and ease of access for residents.