Kota Kinabalu: Sepanggar Member of Parliament, Mustapha Sakmud, hopes the budget tabled by the Chief Minister cum State Finance Minister at the State Legislative Assembly, here, last Friday, will be fully utilised to benefit the people.He said this while praising the budget which has been described as the highest recorded in the history of Sabah – the ninth consecutive surplus budget for the State since 2015.
The budget estimates expenditure of RM5.138 billion with revenue collection of RM5.268 billion.
The budget, which strategically focus on strengthening the economy and progress for the State is hoped to be used as best as possible for the benefit of the people.
“It’s no use if it’s just a huge budget but doesn’t solve the issues faced by the people,” said Mustapha in a statement, here, Sunday.
He asked that funds designated for drain maintenance and flood mitigation be used as efficiently as possible to reduce the frequency of flash floods that frequently affect various places and communities in Sepanggar.
He made the statement after visiting Kg Rampayan Ulu and Kg Rampayan Laut after arriving from Kuala Lumpur last Saturday.
Also present were Darau Assemblyman Azhar Matussin, village heads and Sepanggar PKR branch leaders led by Deputy Branch Head Ramlan Naim.
On a different note, Mustapha urged state assembly members who will receive the RM3 million allocation next year to contribute to solving the issues that the people faces in accordance with the priorities of their respective state constituency.
Additionally, he wants to meet with the relevant authorities and agencies to learn more about their plans for dealing with the frequent flash floods in Sepanggar.
He wants support from all parties in order to bring up these problems at the Parliament level as a new MP in Sepanggar.
“I need specific suggestions and input so that it can be brought to the Prime Minister’s and the relevant ministries’ attention.
“It’s time to serve the people,” he said.
