Sabah’s federal development spending hits 71.78pc, with 291 projects completed, says Hajiji

KOTA KINABALU, Oct 28 — Sabah's federal development expenditure has risen to 71.78% as of October 26, compared to 52.07% in August 2023, according to Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. Speaking at the State Development Action Council (MTPNg) meeting, Hajiji highlighted that 291 development projects were completed in Sabah this year, including Sekolah Menengah Sains Sabah in Kota Kinabalu and Sekolah Kebangsaan Buit Hill in Penampang.

He emphasized the need to maintain this positive performance and urged all administrations to optimally utilize remaining allocations before the 2026 financial year. Attention should be given to projects with substantial unspent funds or faced with implementation constraints, Hajiji said, stressing the importance of addressing technical approvals, land acquisition, utility relocation, procurement, and contract management issues through effective coordination among agencies.

The upcoming Budget MADANI 2027, which allocated RM18.7 billion to Sabah, reflects the Federal Government's commitment to addressing Sabah's development needs, particularly by improving basic infrastructure and people's well-being. Priority projects include the Pan Borneo Highway Phase 1B, strengthening the electricity supply system through STATCOM System projects, and upgrading 682 dilapidated schools across Sabah and Sarawak.

Hajiji urged ministries, departments, and implementing agencies to use the MTPNg meeting to find solutions to implementation issues instead of merely discussing problems. He expressed confidence in the sustainable and inclusive development of Sabah, emphasizing that the state's development success should be measured by the improvement of people's lives and well-being.