Kota Kinabalu: Despite multibillion-ringgit investments and repeated announcements of mega projects, many Sabahans are still struggling with rising cost of living, with basic necessities becoming increasingly unaffordable for many households.
Warisan President Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal said the rising prices of essential goods such as food and electricity, coupled with stagnant incomes are putting increasing pressure on families, particularly in rural areas where access to infrastructure and services remains uneven.
“Prices are going up, but people’s lives are not improving. This is the reality faced by Sabahans today. Our youths are still forced to migrate to Peninsular Malaysia to find jobs and opportunities.
Sabah is rich in resources, but how do we manage it so these investments translate into jobs and a better life for our people?” he said during his debate in the State Legislative Assembly.
He added that the situation is compounded by persistent infrastructure issues, including poor road conditions, unstable water supply and frequent power disruptions.
“Why are people paying prices like a developed country, but receiving third-class facilities?” he said.
Shafie said the pressures faced by Sabahans highlight a deeper issue, where large-scale investments and development plans have yet to produce meaningful outcomes for the people.
He claimed that mega projects are failing to generate real jobs for Sabahans.
He questioned the RM7.6 billion in investments announced for the state, asking how many of these projects had actually materialised on the ground.
“We want to make sure that when investments come in, it is not only about job opportunities, but also business opportunities for our people,” he said.
He warned against a situation where investors bring in their own workforce without creating spillover benefits for Sabahans.
Shafie said this was especially concerning given Sabah’s vast natural resources, which have yet to translate into better economic outcomes for its people.
“Sabah is rich in resources, but how do we manage it so our people can have a better life?” he said.
He stressed that Sabah should not remain only as a resource contributor without building value-added industries.
“Sabah is a major contributor of oil and gas, but how do we monetise this wealth so the benefits return to the people? We have the resources, but we are not fully developing downstream industries to create jobs and opportunities for our people,” he said.
Shafie also raised concerns over overcrowded hospitals and difficulties faced by rural patients in accessing treatment and specialist care, saying these issues reflect the gap between development plans and reality.
He said the problem lies not in funding, but in weak implementation.
“There is no need for further negotiations. Just implement it,” he said.
He also touched on the Malaysia Agreement 1963, saying that while several matters had been agreed upon, the key issue remained implementation.
Shafie said delays in project execution and payments to contractors must also be addressed, warning that such issues could affect the broader economy.
He stressed that development must go beyond announcements and produce tangible results that can be felt by the people.
“We may differ politically, but we must be united in one voice to fight for the rights of Sabahans,” he said.
