Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Government has allocated RM2.607 billion to resolve the State’s legacy issues such as water and electricity supply, road networks and public amenities.
The Ministry of Works is allocated RM1.347 billion where of this amount, the State Public Works Department is allocated RM424.53 million to construct and upgrade roads in urban, rural and small-town areas, as well as to build and upgrade bridges, slopes, government buildings and other infrastructure programmes.
State Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun said in addition, RM75 million is allocated to construct a new alternative road between Kundasang and Ranau to address traffic congestion, including the construction of concrete bridges in Pensiangan and Pitas to facilitate students’ access to school, who have been relying on boats for transportation.
“The Sabah Government is addressing the issue of water insufficiency with utmost seriousness, as frequently raised by various parties.
“With this, the Sabah State Water Department will be allocated RM729.79 million to implement immediate and short-term programmes aimed at enhancing the capacity and efficiency of the water supply system, ensuring that the water needs of the people are met more effectively.
“As a medium and long-term solution, RM174.86 million is allocated next year funded by the Federal Soft Loan Programme. This allocation will involve the implementation of three projects which include upgrading of water treatment plants, replacing and upgrading booster pumps at intake points and water treatment plants in the districts of Putatan, Beaufort, Papar, Keningau, Lahad Datu and Kota Kinabalu.
“To improve the coverage of treated water supply services, including clean water supply infrastructure development in rural areas, a federal grant of RM100 million through the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development Malaysia will be allocated to implement the Rural Water Supply Programme next year,” he said at the State Legislative Assembly sitting Friday.
Sabah Ports and Harbours will get RM29.94 million to continue the maintenance of port facilities under the Department’s jurisdiction throughout Sabah.
Three new projects will commence next year, namely the dredging of the Mengalong River in Sipitang and Sitompok River in Kuala Penyu, as well as the proposed upgrade of the Public Jetty in Karakit Town, Banggi Phase 2.
The Sabah State Railway Department is allocated RM63.61 million for operational expenditures and to continue upgrading and improving the existing railway system.
“This will be achieved through the provision of adequate transport assets, improved track infrastructure and facilities as well as trained human resources.
“The addition of one locomotive unit next year is expected to introduce new services as well as increase service frequency in phases.
“Furthermore, the Feasibility Study and Preliminary Design for the Construction of a Railway System Connecting Putatan to KKIP and Sepanggar Port will be carried out which covers a track distance of approximately 40km.
“In addition, with the Federal Government’s funding assistance, a Feasibility Study for the Trans-Borneo Railway Project will also be conducted, which involves the construction of a railway network across Sabah and Sarawak, totalling approximately 970km in Sabah,” he said.
To provide a more efficient and comprehensive sewerage system, the Sabah Government will allocate RM91.59 million to the Sabah Sewerage Services Department.
This allocation will also be used to rehabilitate pump stations, sewerage treatment plants and pipeline networks in the districts of Kota Kinabalu, Tawau, Sandakan, Penampang and other districts which were handed over from the local governments.
“Four new sewerage and sludge treatment plant construction projects in the districts of Tuaran, Penampang, Papar and Kudat through a Federal Soft Loan with an allocation of RM100 million will be carried out in 2025,” Masidi added.
He said The Sabah Government will implement development programmes focused on green sustainability in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) through the Sabah Maju Jaya Roadmap.
Priority is given to climate change mitigation and adaptation actions, as well as disaster risk reduction, to ensure economic growth that harmonises with environmental sustainability.
“RM180.86 million is allocated next year to the responsible departments. Through this approach, the development undertaken will be more resilient and environmentally friendly, further supporting the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals at the state level.
“A total of RM134.96 million is allocated to the Sabah Forestry Department and Sabah Biodiversity Centre, reflecting the Government’s commitment to conservation programmes, sustainable forestry initiatives and community development projects. RM29.85 million is allocated to the Wildlife Department for operations, enforcement activities and implementation of awareness and wildlife protection programmes, as well as managing wildlife-human conflict mitigation,” he said.
The Environment Protection Department, is allocated RM10.76 million under operational and development expenditures to continue mainstreaming environmental protection into all development initiatives.
“With an allocation of RM5.36 million, several studies are expected to be completed next year that will serve as important guidelines for government bodies and stakeholders in sustainable environmental protection development.
“Among others are Review of Sabah Shoreline Management Plan, Slope Stability Study as well as Guidelines for the Rehabilitation of Mining and Quarry Sites in Sabah.
“Of this amount, RM1.3 million is allocated for the Study of Scheduled Waste Management Plan in Sabah, which is expected to be completed by 2025 as government preparation to fulfil commitments under MA63,” he said.
