KUALA LUMPUR: The federal government has approved 90 programmes and development projects for Labuan, with an allocation of RM1.66 billion under Rolling Plan 5 of the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP), the Dewan Negara was told today. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa announced that these initiatives involve 22 new programmes, to be executed by various ministries and federal agencies, while the remaining projects are extensions of ongoing efforts.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the approved programmes and projects span several key sectors, such as water infrastructure, housing, public facilities, and areas like education, recreation, transport, and health. Dr Zaliha emphasized that the implementation of these projects is expected to yield significant benefits for the people of Labuan, while also supporting various local industries.

In response to Senator Tan Sri Anifah Aman’s inquiry regarding development projects for Labuan, Dr Zaliha highlighted that the Budget
2025 allocation also includes provisions for 180 closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras, RM7 million for ferry fare discounts, and an increase in the General Assistance rate to RM150 per month, with a cap of RM500 per family.

Dr Zaliha further explained that the Department of Federal Territories and related agencies are currently drafting plans for upcoming development projects under the 13th Malaysia Plan. Key focus areas include enhancing tourism activities, improving air and sea transport connectivity, expanding accommodation facilities, and facilitating transshipment operations.

Addressing Anifah Aman’s supplementary question regarding the direct implementation of projects by the Labuan Corporation or the Prime Minister’s Department, Dr Zaliha attributed the decision to capacity and resource constraints.