Kota Kinabalu: On underutilisation of budgets and delayed projects in Sabah, Rafizi said it is a pressing concern and to tackle this, 13MP introduces several reforms to streamline processes and address operational challenges.
He explained that challenges such as land issues have been a major contributor to delayed projects.
AdvertisementIn previous plans, approvals were often granted without confirming land readiness, causing delays when land acquisition issues arose mid-project.
To address this, he said, feasibility studies and preparatory work would now be funded upfront to ensure all critical issues, such as land availability, are resolved before projects receive full approval.
SPONSORED CONTENT Shell Sabah Deepwater Production Manager Earns Unsung Hero Award Daily Express had the opportunity to interview Musti whose story reflects the power of determination and resilience. Read more Additionally, Rafizi explained Federal and State coordination challenges, such as overlapping land ownership between the Federal Land Commissioner and the State Government, are being addressed.
Applicants are now required to cross-check proposed projects with existing federal and state land banks before seeking approval.
Advertisement (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});Reforms at the planning and implementation stages include early planning and feasibility studies, ensuring groundwork such as land verification is completed before project funding is approved, he said.
Rafizi said the Government has transitioned to fully digital applications to speed up processing and prevent mismanagement. Digital tools such as Google Earth and Google Maps are now being used to verify project sites, ensuring they serve public needs rather than private interests.
Advertisement (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});“Through these enhancements, we hope to reduce bottlenecks and ensure smoother project delivery under 13MP compared to previous plans,” he said.
He said noted that managing the high volume of project applications with limited resources has pushed his Ministry towards greater digitisation.
Applications are now submitted digitally through a portal, replacing manual letter submissions. Integration of tools like Google Maps aids in verifying project sites remotely, reducing the need for physical inspections.
“While automation and digitization are still ongoing processes, these steps will help balance the workload and improve efficiency,” he said.
Rafizi said 13MP aims to deliver sustainable development outcomes and ensure Sabah progresses toward its socioeconomic goals through reforms and targeted interventions.
“Engagement sessions, such as the one held with the Sabah Government, play an essential role. The Federal Government’s priority to close development gaps means Sabah remains a significant focus for receiving substantial allocations.
However, both the Federal and State Governments are committed to ensuring effective and timely implementation of these plans. Importantly, the results and benefits must directly reach the people,” he said.
Thanking the Sabah Government for their collaborative approach, he said this teamwork between the Federal and State Governments ensures we deliver on our shared goals to bridge development gaps. With sustained focus and collaboration, I believe we can deliver better outcomes for the people of Sabah,” he said.
Rafizi said 13MP is a crucial five-year framework, not only for Malaysia as a whole but also for individual states. Beyond discussions on economic growth and opportunities, 13MP focuses on reducing disparities within society and addressing gaps across regions.