Sabah, with RM18.6b in allocations, hails 2027 budget as alleviating burden for all Malaysians

KOTA KINABALU, Oct 9 — Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor hailed the National 2027 Budget as a comprehensive package that eases the financial burden on Malaysians and showcases the robustness of the nation's economy. Despite the ongoing crisis in West Asia, the budget's proposal reflected the country's financial strength, according to Hajiji.

With a proposed allocation of RM18.6 billion, Sabah once again emerged as the largest recipient of federal funds, marking a 6.25% increase from this year's RM17.6 billion. The budget also aimed to boost infrastructure, with RM3.3 billion earmarked for road projects in Sabah and Sarawak, and the establishment of an additional 4,200 JPA scholarships for students from these states.

The government announced plans to install Static Synchronous Compensator (STATCOM) systems at Dam Road and Segaliud Main Intake Substations, amounting to RM204 million, to enhance power supply. Additionally, the Southern Link Transmission Line project would proceed as a long-term solution to ensure steady electricity supply. In terms of border connectivity, infrastructure development along the boundaries of Sabah, Sarawak, and Kalimantan would continue.

The resolution of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) was also reiterated as a crucial aspect of the national covenant, with an interim payment of RM1.5 billion expected to be finalized before the end of the year, and ongoing negotiations with Sabah and Sarawak to determine a fair and sustainable annual payment formula.