Kota Kinabalu: Deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi says he will request a special allocation to resolve the long-running water supply issue in Sabah.
Zahid, who is also the rural and regional development minister, said the special provision was necessary to ensure that everyone living in Sabah – especially those in the rural areas – receive clean water.
“I know the water supply in Sabah is very disappointing, we hear a lot of complaints, especially during the festive season. It’s difficult for people to celebrate when there is no water,” he said when speaking at the Sabah Umno Aidilfitri celebration here.
Zahid said the federal government had allocated RM600 million to solve infrastructure issues in the state, including the rural water supply (BALB) project, rural electricity supply (BELB) project as well as to repair dilapidated houses.
“I hope this allocation can solve the problems faced by the people, especially those related to water, roads and electricity, to ensure everything runs smoothly,” he added.
Meanwhile, in a separate press conference in Papar, Zahid said he would monitor the RM600 million that had been allocated to ensure that it had the desired impact on the state.
“After I hold a discussion with the prime minister, I will give priority and attention to these districts,” he said after attending a ceremony at MRSM Kota Kinabalu, which is now known as MRSM Tan Sri Musa Aman.
He said Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and the federal government were determined that “zero poverty” in the country could be achieved this year, therefore the poor districts in Sabah should be uplifted with various development projects.
The three poorest districts in Sabah are Pitas, Kota Marudu and Tongod.
