‘Infra issues among reasons why Sabah lagging behind’
Published on: Thursday, September 28, 2023
Noraini also said the State Government expects the arrival of 2.2 million tourists to Sabah in 2023 who are expected to generate a revenue of RM4.1 billion.
Kuala Lumpur: The unresolved basic infrastructure issues in Sabah is among the reasons why the State is still lagging behind in various development aspects, said Senator Datuk Noraini Idris.
She said the context of the development and economic growth agenda varies from state to state in the country.
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In Sabah, she said, the issue of infrastructure facilities such as water, road and electricity is too complex which requires a more comprehensive approach according to the area and needs of each district.
“Although economic growth is there, it is happening slowly and not comprehensively.
“Subsequently, it has caused Sabah to still lag behind in many aspects, especially in rural areas, in addition to selective development based on geographic and demographic conditions.
Under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP), Noraini said, the Government has allocated RM4.66 billion for Sabah for development, but this has not been able to solve the infrastructure issues,” she said when debating the Mid-Term Review of 12MP at Dewan Negara.
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Noraini said the unresolved infrastructure issues could affect the potential of Sabah to obtain and expand opportunities to attract foreign investment.
“The people of Sabah even took the opportunity to directly complain to the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong and the Raja Permaisuri Agong during Their Majesties’s “Get to Know Borneo” tour programme recently,” she added.
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Until now, Noraini said, the construction of the Pan Borneo Highway for phase 1A (318km), from Sindumin to Kudat and Tawau, is still at 74 per cent.
“The question is, what are the obstacles or constraints that have caused the proposed construction and upgrading of these rural roads in Sabah to still not reach one-third of the progress under the 12MP proposal, when the Sabah Public Works Department (JKR) has already been authorised to approve projects under RM50 million for this purpose.
“Also, what are the specific actions that will be taken by the Federal Government to achieve the target under 12MP that only has two years left?”
Noraini also said the State Government expects the arrival of 2.2 million tourists to Sabah in 2023 who are expected to generate a revenue of RM4.1 billion.
In this respect, she requested the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture to exapin what plans are in place to jointly promote Sabah.
“We don’t want the State Government’s hopes and targets to go astray due to unresolved infrastructure issues and basic facilities.
“The revenue from the tourism industry can be used to improve the living standards of the people of Sabah,” she said.
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