Deputy PM Ahmad Zahid Hamidi says Sabah’s RM6.9 billion allocation proves the MADANI government is not marginalising the state, with a focus on rural development and education.
KINABATANGAN: The MADANI government is not marginalising Sabah, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
He said the state’s highest rural development allocation under Budget 2026 proves the government’s commitment to prioritising development and well-being there.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister, said the allocation covers various initiatives for rural development.
These include education, skills training, basic infrastructure and socio-economic empowerment for interior communities.
He stressed the focus aligns with his ministry’s responsibility to ensure more balanced development, especially for areas previously facing constraints.
“I will coordinate with Sabah Rural Development Minister Datuk Rubin Balang together with Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin and Kuamut State Assemblyman Datuk Masiung Banah,” he said.
He was speaking at the Sentuhan Kasih Desa@Kuamut Program at Dataran Tongod, which was also attended by Jafry and Masiung.
Sabah received a development allocation of RM6.9 billion under Budget 2026 tabled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim last October.
Ahmad Zahid also assured that rural education facilities, especially KEMAS classes in Kuamut and Tongod, would continue to receive attention.
He said Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes are a main focus to provide more opportunities for rural youth.
“The implementation of various initiatives under the ministry will be coordinated with state leadership and relevant agencies,” he said.
This is to ensure each allocation can be effectively utilised by the people.