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THE Federal Government is moving to expedite major infrastructure improvements in Sabah after the state's economic and tourism performance significantly exceeded official forecasts, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has revealed.
Citing an unexpectedly strong surge in visitor arrivals and development activity, Anwar said existing infrastructure is coming under increasing pressure, making the rapid expansion of key facilities, particularly Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA), an immediate priority.
Speaking at the state-level Kaamatan Festival 2026 celebration at Hongkod Koisaan, the headquarters of the Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA), Anwar said Sabah's growth trajectory has outstripped earlier expectations and is now among the strongest in the country.
“Under normal projections, there would be no need to expand infrastructure at such a pace. However, Sabah's growth has surpassed normal projections and recorded development that is truly commendable,” Bernama reported him saying.
The Prime Minister noted that the sharp rise in tourist arrivals has created an urgent need to enhance transport capacity and public infrastructure to support future growth while ensuring visitors continue to enjoy efficient access to the state.
The acceleration of development projects reflects the Federal Government's broader strategy of ensuring that economic growth is matched by adequate infrastructure investment, particularly in regions experiencing rapid expansion.
Also present at the event were Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam and KDCA president Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan.
Anwar credited Hajiji's administration for helping create a stable environment conducive to investment and tourism, describing the state government's approach as moderate, development-oriented and focused on public welfare.
He said these factors have contributed significantly to Sabah recording one of Malaysia's strongest tourism growth performances in recent years.
Beyond tourism, the Prime Minister stressed that the MADANI Government remains committed to ensuring that development benefits are distributed fairly across the country, particularly among communities in rural and underdeveloped regions.
He pointed to ongoing poverty eradication initiatives and targeted assistance programmes, including Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA), as part of efforts to ensure that economic progress reaches vulnerable communities.
“The difference is that we must accelerate and intensify our efforts in areas that are more underdeveloped. There are remote districts in Pahang, as well as rural and interior areas in Sabah and Sarawak. Therefore, our focus must be directed towards these areas,” he said.
Anwar also used the occasion to reaffirm the government's commitment to cultural inclusivity and national unity, describing the Kaamatan Festival as an important symbol of Malaysia's diversity and shared identity.
He said the annual harvest festival has become a permanent fixture in his official calendar, reflecting the government's determination to celebrate the country's rich cultural heritage through concrete actions rather than symbolic gestures alone.
According to the Prime Minister, official government programmes under the MADANI administration have consistently incorporated the participation of Sabah's diverse communities, while national cultural policies have been designed to ensure representation for all ethnic traditions across the federation.
He argued that effective leadership at both state and national levels requires an ability to serve and understand all communities rather than focusing narrowly on specific ethnic, religious or social groups.
“To become a state leader, let alone a national leader, one must project a character that reflects not only concern for one's own race, religion or community, but also the capacity to understand and care for all communities in our country.
“The same applies to state leaders and leaders of ethnic communities. They must embrace diversity. The moment we focus solely on the interests of a particular group, it runs contrary to the spirit of unity and undermines our culture,” he said.
His remarks come as Sabah continues to emerge as one of Malaysia's fastest-growing tourism destinations, with increasing visitor numbers, expanding investment activity and rising demand for modern infrastructure strengthening the state's role as a key driver of national economic growth. - May 30, 2026
