Kota Kinabalu: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor hopes the Federal Government will consider seriously nine high-impact projects proposed by Sabah under Rolling Plan 1 (RP1) of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP).
He said these projects are necessary for Sabah to achieve its development goals. They are: The Southern Link transmission line, with a total cost of RM1.6 billion; The Inanam regional sewage treatment plant in the urban area and sewer pipe replacement, costing RM1.9 billion; Increasing the capacity of the Segaliud water treatment plant in Sandakan, with a cost of RM613.65 million; The Upper Padas access tunnel project, amounting to RM500 million; Construction of a new clinical block at Hospital Mesra Bukit Padang, Kota Kinabalu, costing RM520 million; Works to construct and upgrade the urban drainage system in Kinarut, Papar, with a cost of RM100.47 million; The Non-Revenue Water (NRW) programme in Sabah, costing RM500 million; The capacity and capability enhancement programme for specialised Sabah groups, with a cost of RM25 million; and The integrated river basin development for Sungai Moyog in Sabah, including flood mitigation works and related upgrades for Package 2A and Package 4, costing RM500 million.
AdvertisementHajiji also thanked the Federal Government for its decision to increase the interim special allocation for Sabah and Sarawak from RM300 million to RM600 million, starting next year.
“The State Government also welcomes the highest development allocation for Sabah compared to other states, amounting to RM6.7 billion, as announced by the Prime Minister during the tabling of the National Budget 2025.
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Meanwhile, Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli said tackling hardcore poverty in Sabah would a key priority under the 13MP.
Advertisement (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});He said it is not just a future goal but an urgent concern, particularly in Sabah where the incidence is significantly higher.
Previously, efforts in other states have involved cash interventions from agencies like zakat boards and welfare departments to lift families out of poverty. However, under 13MP, the focus is shifting towards creating sustainable income opportunities.
Advertisement (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});“We need to ensure there are economic activities in these areas, instead of relying solely on cash transfers,” he told a press conference after opening the Federal-level 13MP Engagement Session – Sabah at Pacific Sutera, Thursday.
Under 13MP, the Government would concentrate on the eight poorest districts in Sabah. This new framework would target economic activities specifically tailored to each district, fostering local income-generating activities.
“Historically, government policies were macro-focused, treating all areas similarly without adequately differentiating between the poorest districts and others.
“With 13MP, we are adopting a more focused and district-specific approach to ensure these families can sustainably rise from hardcore poverty,” he said.