THE Sabah Government has reaffirmed its commitment to resolving long-standing basic infrastructure problems, acknowledging the grievances and concerns frequently raised by the public.
In outlining the state’s priorities, Masidi Manjun said its focus on addressing these issues is reflected in the substantial development ceiling allocated to the Ministry of Works and Utilities and its related departments — amounting to RM4.80 billion, or 39.92 per cent of the overall ceiling under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP).
He said this approved ceiling is to implement 318 development projects, comprising 106 continuation projects and 212 new projects.
“Under 13MP, a ceiling of RM2.67 billion has been approved for the Public Works Department (JKR) to fund a total of 173 projects, comprising 49 continuation projects and 124 new projects.
“An amount of RM600.69 million is allocated to JKR, next year, for operations and implementation of roads, bridges, slopes, government building projects as well as traffic management and road safety programs.
“This allocation also covers repairs and rehabilitation works for slopes affected by landslides, such as in Jalan Tambunan and Jalan Keningau–Kimanis,” he said when tabling the 2026 State Budget.
For Sabah Water Department, Masidi said the Sabah Government has allocated a ceiling of RM1.77 billion to the department under 13MP with 77 development projects, comprising 26 continuation projects and 51 new projects.
Next year, he said RM848 million is allocated to this Department for Operational and Development Expenditure.
Among the projects to be implemented, Masidi said are the construction and upgrading of new Water Treatment Plants (WTP) in Papar, Lahad Datu, Tawau, Kota Kinabalu and Sandakan, as well as pump replacement works to enhance operational efficiency of existing systems.
“Maintenance of critical assets such as Telibong II WTP, Urban Water Supply System, Milau Kudat WTP and Segaliud Sandakan WTP, will also be prioritised.
“This demonstrates the Government’s commitment to ensure quality, comprehensive and continuous treated water supply can be enjoyed by all Sabahans,” he said.
Under 13MP, Masidi said a ceiling of RM347.84 million has been approved for the Sabah Sewerage Services Department (JPPS) for 65 development projects, comprising 28 continuation projects and 37 new projects.
“The Sabah Government has allocated RM203.91 million to JPPS for Operational and Development Expenditure in year 2026.
“Among the main projects to be implemented includes the repair of critical sewerage pipes in Kota Kinabalu and Tawau as well as the construction of the Ranau Sludge Treatment Plant.
“Moreover, starting year 2026, JPPS will implement a Review of the Sabah Sewerage System Master Plan with an allocation of RM2 million,” he said.
Through Federal Loans, Masidi said JPPS will continue implementing several continuation projects such as Sewerage Schemes in Tambunan, Sandakan, Ranau, Putatan, Kota Marudu, KKIP, Lahad Datu as well as Design Study Proposal with an allocation of RM89.80 million.
“For new projects, the focus will be on constructing Sludge Treatment Plants in Papar, Penampang, Kudat and Upgrading Oxidation Pond Project in Inanam with an allocation of RM30.01 million.
“In addition, two high-impact projects namely Upgrading of Regional Sewerage Treatment Plant South Kota Kinabalu Project and Construction of Sewerage Treatment Plant Tuaran Town Project will be implemented with an allocation of RM20 million,” he added.
