Kota Kinabalu: Bengkoka Assemblyman Datuk Harun Durabi urged the State Government to ensure wealth generated from oil, gas and foreign investment translates into real welfare for all Sabahans, whether in urban or rural areas.
“I am not speaking just as an Assemblyman but as the voice for thousands of farmers, fishermen, single mothers and youths who have placed high hopes in the Assembly,” he said when debating the 2026 State Budget.
He congratulated Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun for tabling the budget with its theme “Accelerating development, prioritising the people’s wellbeing”.
“Overall, the 2026 Budget is a comprehensive and people-oriented document. However, success depends entirely on the efficiency of implementation and the integrity of its administrative machinery,” he said.
He noted that the Budget projects revenue of RM6.430 billion and a surplus of RM28 million, which shows the State Government is on track with disciplined and responsible financial management.
“Sabah is now in the second phase of implementing the Sabah Maju Jaya direction. While the first phase focused on post-pandemic recovery and economic stability, the next phase should emphasise comprehensive empowerment of the people,” he said.
He welcomed the allocation of RM559.85 million to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry.
“The Sabah Rice Revolution initiative under the Sabah Rice and Padi Board, which receives RM15 million for procurement of harvesting and ploughing machinery, is a strategic step that can increase paddy farmers’ productivity.
“High input costs and lack of modern technology have long hampered farmers. This effort should continue in a targeted manner,” he said.
However, he said agriculture should not be seen merely as a retirement career and proposed that the allocation of RM14.78 million to the Sabah Veterinary Services Department be used to create programmes to attract graduates and youth to venture into modern agriculture and integrated livestock sectors.
He also said the level of progress of a state is not only measured through physical development but also through the ability to defend those in need.
“I support the allocation of RM173.56 million to the Ministry of Women, Health and People’s Wellbeing.
“The increase in the Rumah Mesra SMJ quota to 50 units for each constituency, with a portion reserved for youth under 40 years old, is a progressive and far-sighted policy.
“However, the role of the Sabah Women’s Affairs Department needs to be strengthened through more reasonable allocations, given the large contribution of women, especially single mothers, to the family and community economy,” he said.
He also proposed that the Community Credit Programme under Yayasan Usaha Maju be expanded with reduced bureaucracy so more women can generate income independently.
He noted that the State Government, through the Ministry of Rural Development, has allocated RM317.72 million for rural infrastructure development.
“I support the implementation of the Alternative Rural Electricity Supply Programme (BELBA) and Alternative Rural Water Supply Programme (BALBA), which are needed by rural people.
“My constituency is severely affected and needs serious attention for the implementation of the BELBA and BALBA programmes. While other areas face water disruptions for days, some lasting 14 days, my area has had no water supply since the day I was born.
“About 90 per cent of villages in Bengkoka have not received water supply. I hope the Ministry of Rural Development will focus on villages that are affected in enjoying water and electricity supplies in this digital era,” he said.
He also said access to the internet should be considered a basic facility and the State Government’s efforts through Sabah Net in providing Starlink services should be expanded and monitored to provide long-term benefits, especially to schools and community centres in rural areas.
