Kota Kinabalu: No Sabahan will be left behind was the message from Tun Musa Aman as he underscored the State Government’s commitment to balanced development, social inclusion and environmental protection in his first policy speech at the fifth session of the 16th Sabah Legislative Assembly, Thursday.
He said proactive steps are being taken to ensure that development reaches all corners of the state.
“To ensure no area is left out from enjoying the fruits of development, the government continues to roll out targeted efforts in poverty eradication and rural upliftment,” he said.
He cited the success of the Eradicating Hardcore Poverty Phase One programme, which saw 22,510 households removed from the list of hardcore poor as of July 2024. The State Government, he said, is committed to ensuring continued monitoring and support for these households.
To address housing needs in rural areas, the Rumah Mesra SMJ initiative will be expanded, with 40 units allocated per state constituency this year — up from 20 last year. At the same time, efforts to provide quality and affordable housing will continue through public housing and affordable home schemes, particularly for B40 groups.
Musa also reaffirmed the state’s focus on rural electrification and clean water access. Under the Alternative Rural Electricity Supply (Belba) and Alternative Rural Water Supply (Balba) programmes, 46 villages and over 2,000 residents have benefited from improved access to electricity, while clean water systems have been delivered to 29 rural communities, benefiting over 5,500 people.
He noted the impact of the People’s Income Initiative (IPR), which helped 450 smallholders earn additional income through pineapple cultivation, culminating in the export of 15 tonnes of MD2 pineapples in February.
“The success of these rural programmes reflects our commitment to improving livelihoods and creating economic opportunities in the most remote communities.”
On inclusive development, Musa highlighted new support systems for children with special needs, particularly those with autism, through the establishment of the Sabah Autism Centre in collaboration with Universiti Malaysia Sabah.
The centre offers diagnosis, early intervention, and therapy programmes tailored to children’s needs. Welfare aid and funding to NGOs also continue to play a role in supporting vulnerable groups and orphans.
As for safeguarding Sabah’s environment, Musa said the Government remains firmly committed to sustainable natural resource management.
The Sabah Biodiversity Strategy 2024–2034 and the Sabah Biotechnology Action Blueprint 2024–2034 have been introduced to protect biodiversity, promote sustainable use, and drive innovation across various sectors.
The state aims to gazette 30pc of its land as Totally Protected Areas (TPA) by the end of 2025. So far, 27pc of Sabah’s land has been gazetted, with an additional 211,000 hectares identified for protection.
In facing climate change challenges, the Government is moving ahead with new legislation, including amendments to the 1968 Forest Enactment to regulate forest-based carbon trading, and the drafting of a dedicated Climate Change Enactment for Sabah.
“These efforts reflect our commitment to preserving Sabah’s natural wealth while ensuring it continues to benefit current and future generations,” said Musa.
