KENINGAU: Communities in the interior welcomed the State’s 2026 Budget tabled by State Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun last Friday.
Persatuan Kebajikan Masyarakat Bingkor Keningau Chairman Yazid Mohd Hasnan Tawik @ Charles, said it reflects a disciplined government approach prioritising the people’s needs.
“With a Supply Expenditure estimate of RM6.402 billion and Revenue estimate of RM6.430 billion, this budget successfully maintains the state’s stable financial position by recording a surplus of RM28 million,” said Yazid.
Yazid said the State Government’s ability to continue recording a surplus demonstrates careful fiscal management and financial administration efficiency under the GRS Government led by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
“This budget is realistic, based on the State’s actual revenue capacity and provides room for continued development, people’s welfare, and state economic stability. This approach deserves praise as it prioritises long-term financial sustainability over excessive spending,” he said.
He added that overall, the 2026 Sabah Budget manifests the State Government’s commitment to ensuring Sabah’s prosperity is shared with the people while guaranteeing responsible and integrity-based financial governance.
Pagalungan Sub-district Native Chief Mohd Ridhwan Angayas said the budget represents promises made during the recent 17th state election and expressed gratitude that they have been translated into action.
“This means the GRS Government over the past five years clearly has improvement measures for the next five years,” he said.
Ridhwan said the budget encompasses the needs and aspirations of all Sabahans, pointing out that the increase in Rumah Mesra Sabah Maju Jaya (affordable housing) allocations as a positive development for newlyweds who need comfortable housing after marriage.
“Assistance for those who wish to pursue university education is excellent for achieving our children’s aspirations and dreams, and is welcomed. On behalf of interior residents, I fully support this budget as it can effectively realise all planned initiatives,” he said.
He described the emphasis on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in human capital development with youth participation as a wise step by the State Government to boost Sabah’s economy specifically and the nation’s generally.
He said young people as successors and drivers of Sabah’s economy are also considered in the 2026 State Budget.
“This proves the GRS government is very concerned about the younger generation, and this effort must be continued to uplift the dignity of Sabahans,” he added.
He said there is much good news from the budget.
“We hope the development that has been and is being planned, especially in the Nabawan constituency, can be realised, particularly in agriculture, fisheries, eco-tourism and other sectors,” he said.
Additionally, infrastructure development is still needed in Nabawan and Pagalungan, he noted.
