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Kota Kinabalu: A total of 83 Rural Water Supply (BALB) projects in Sabah will be expedited following a Cabinet decision to transfer their implementation to the State Government.

Deputy Prime Minister cum Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the decision, made on March 17, 2026, aims to strengthen the delivery of basic rural infrastructure.

He said 83 new and continuation projects under the Sabah BALB Programme have been approved for 2026 at a total cost of RM4.06 billion, including RM143 million allocated under the First Rolling Plan (RP1) of the 13th Malaysia Plan.

Zahid said the projects, including those delayed since the 11th Malaysia Plan in 2016 due to planning approvals, alignments, technical requirements and contractor appointments, will now be coordinated by the State Ministry of Rural Development with implementation by JKR, JPS and the Sabah State Water Department.

He said a High Level Committee involving Federal and State representatives will oversee technical, financial and implementation aspects to ensure timely execution, with priority given to local contractors and manpower support strengthened by 184 new technical posts.

Deputy Chief Minister cum Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun, who represented the Chief Minister, dan State Rural Development Minister Datuk Rubin Balang were also present.