Sabah dapat RM18.7 bilion, tapi berapa peruntukan baharu sebenar, soal Ahli Parlimen

Suhaimi Nasir, a Member of Parliament from Libaran, has been seeking clarification on the reallocated RM18.7 billion budget for Sabah under the 2027 Budget, without considering funds already allocated for existing projects. The MP expressed concern over how much of the total sum would be used for new allocations by 2027, after deducting expenses for maintenance, ongoing transmission projects, and pre-existing financial commitments.

Suhaimi also asked if the amount includes the interim Sabah special grant and allocations under the Malaysian Plan 13 (RMK13).

To improve healthcare facilities, Suhaimi called for upgrades to the Duchess of Kent Hospital in Sandakan, including additional doctors to ensure patients do not need to travel far for treatment. He also suggested expanding diagnostic and surgery services as a more cost-effective alternative to building a new hospital. The MP also asked for details on the actual number of doctors treating patients in Sabah, excluding those on leave or studying.

Regarding education, Suhaimi highlighted the need for more classrooms and desks due to increased population and student numbers in Libaran schools, which could hinder learning and contribute to social problems. He urged the construction of additional school facilities and more stringent measures against bullying, as well as better protection for victims. Suhaimi also requested the government to identify communities still facing water, electricity, and internet supply issues and set clear dates for improvements.

The MP also called for a development plan for Sabah's eastern coast, with Sandakan as the processing and export center for local products. He asked the government to re-evaluate the need for the 2017 customs duty exemption, taking into account the high port fees and imbalance in cargo movement. Suhaimi noted that Sabah spent RM31.5 billion on goods from the mainland last year but only sold RM18.1 billion worth of goods to the mainland, leading to underutilized cargo capacity on return trips.