Kota kinabalu: The Sabah government is urging the prioritization of urgent, quick-impact small-scale projects, specifically in the education and healthcare sectors, to ensure they are completed promptly for the benefit of the public. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor emphasized the need for these projects to be executed efficiently, swiftly, and on schedule, with full integrity, allowing Sabahans to enjoy the benefits without delay.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Sabah has been allocated RM6.59 billion under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), which encompasses 1,233 projects or programmes. This allocation signifies the government's dedication to advancing the state's development in alignment with the aspirations of the MADANI Government and the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) 2.0. Chief Minister Hajiji Noor has called for more frequent monitoring of these projects to prevent any delays and ensure that any implementation issues are swiftly addressed through appropriate channels.
Hajiji highlighted the need to promptly resolve issues such as funding, land, and utilities to prevent negative impacts on project implementation, especially those directly benefiting the public. He reiterated that the focus on immediate projects aligns with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's directive to expedite small-scale projects, as they can deliver quick benefits to the people.
Reports on project delays, presented during a recent State Development Action Council meeting at Menara Kinabalu, underscore the importance of resolving implementation issues within the stipulated timeframes. The state government is taking project delays seriously due to their potential to increase costs and lead to government losses.
The Chief Minister also discussed the Hardcore Poverty Eradication Programme for Sabah 2026, a key component of the SMJ 2.0 Development Plan for 2026-2030. This initiative focuses on poverty eradication to ensure inclusive development. Hajiji noted that the success of SMJ 1.0 has instilled confidence in Sabah's developmental trajectory, while SMJ 2.0 emphasizes continuous transformation to enhance capacity and create new value for the people.
Under SMJ 2.0, Sabah is concentrating on the agriculture, industrial, and tourism sectors, while also promoting sustainable economic growth, human capital development, and improving the well-being of its citizens. The plan includes the enhancement of infrastructure and green networks to address issues related to water supply, electricity, and road connectivity. In the current budget, which amounts to RM12.02 billion, a significant portion is allocated to developing essential infrastructure, aiming to boost economic activity across all districts.