Sabah expected to table biggest-ever budget on Dec 4

KOTA KINABALU - The 2027 budget for the state of Sabah, scheduled to be presented on December 4, is anticipated to surpass this year's expenditure, according to Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun. The minister disclosed that the state government is presently finalizing the budget through various consultation sessions and feedback from multiple stakeholders.

Masidi emphasized that these preparations must consider the state's revenue and income-generating capacity. During a Deepavali celebration at a hotel, he clarified that while numerous requests for funding allocations have been made, the government must exercise prudence and ensure spending does not exceed its financial capacity.

He stressed the importance of maintaining sound financial management and good governance in budget preparation.

Masidi highlighted that the majority of annual allocations are typically directed towards the water supply and road sectors to tackle infrastructure challenges faced by the population. However, he noted that infrastructure projects require considerable time for completion, and not all issues can be resolved within a brief timeframe.

Some initiatives launched this year may take up to three years to finalize. He appealed to water supply consumers experiencing issues to exercise patience, stating that the government is dedicating significant attention to the matter through substantial allocations. Sabah is currently awaiting a RM900 million special grant from the federal government, which, once received, could potentially enable the state to present a budget nearing its maximum revenue capacity, estimated at nearly RM8 billion.