CHIEF Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor is confident the long-awaited 40 per cent special grant for Sabah is edging closer to a conclusion, crediting the State’s strengthened ties with the Federal Government.
He said the improved rapport between both governments is not just important but crucial to sustaining development momentum.
Advertisement
“With this strong cooperation, I believe many positive outcomes will follow including the Federal Government’s fulfilment of its 40 per cent revenue obligation to Sabah, which we hope can be finalised soon for the benefit of all,” he said.
Hajiji said this includes matters of sovereignty, security, unity and nationhood.
“While we advocate for Sabah’s rights, we must not forget our responsibility to safeguard national interests,” said Hajiji.
Hajiji highlighted the State Government’s commitment to fulfilling its responsibilities and elevating Sabah’s status over the next five years.
“Our primary goal is to drive economic progress and improve the well-being of our people. Every plan we implement must focus on their prosperity, whether directly or indirectly, through economic advancement and employment opportunities,” he added.
He said, beginning next year, Sabah’s development policy will be guided by the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya 2.0 plan.
“This will include the establishment of three new industrial parks – an Industrial Park for the Blue Economy Industry in Kudat, an Oil and Gas Industrial Park in Beaufort and an Industrial Park for High Technology and Semiconductors between Kota Belud and Kota Marudu to accommodate increasing investor interest.
Reiterating the State Government’s dedication to protecting Sabahans’ interests, Hajiji also announced enhanced social welfare programs.
These include the construction of 50 Rumah Mesra SMJ units for each state constituency to assist the poor and hardcore poor, alongside RM300 monthly financial assistance for 100,000 recipients next year.
He said new financial assistance for senior citizens aged 60 and above without a fixed income, and a deposit financing incentive for first-time homebuyers will also be introduced.
Hajiji further said the State Government will intensify efforts to upgrade basic infrastructure, allocating over RM1.2 billion for water supply, with phased completion starting middle of next year.
He also extended his appreciation to the Prime Minister for the RM765 million allocation to complete the Sabah Southern Link Project, which will connect the West Coast electrical grid to the East Coast to resolve power disruptions there.
Hajiji also commended the security forces for their exemplary work in maintaining public order during the recent election.
