Focus on infra and amenities: Chief Minister
Published on: Monday, June 10, 2024
By: Mohd Izham Bin Hashim
Hajiji receiving the IEM Honorary Fellow Award from Yau.
Kota Kinabalu: The State Government will continue its focus on infrastructure development programmes and public amenities, especially ensuring water and energy security, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Mohd Noor.
Reflecting the government’s commitment, he noted a record RM2.63 billion has been allocated in the 2024 State Budget, with RM1.72 billion channelled to the Works Ministry and its related departments.
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“This initiative is not only a catalyst to improve the state’s economy, but also to improve the welfare and livelihood of the people,” said Hajiji.
He added that the Government is sensitive to the concerns of Sabahans who bemoaned infrastructure problems and the lack of basic amenities such as proper roads, railways, ports, sewerage and transport.
Speaking at the Institute of Engineers Malaysia (IEM) Sabah Branch 46th Anniversary Dinner, he emphasised the importance of strong cooperation between the government and engineers to ensure any planned project can be implemented optimally and adhering to all requirements, which would greatly contribute to the economic growth of the state.
According to Hajiji, government-led initiatives towards the full implementation of the Sabah Maju Jaya Development Roadmap (SMJ) require the involvement of all quarters, including engineers.
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“The engineering profession plays a vital role in spearheading the country’s development, by supporting economic growth and improving quality of life of the people.
Therefore, continuous professional development is an essential step to foster the advancement of leaders among engineers,” he said.
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Hajiji said he viewed engineers as invaluable assets in spearheading national development, which needs to expand its technical expertise to remain relevant, especially in adapting to advancing technology.
He also hoped engineers and industry players in the state can seize every opportunity to adopt advances in technology to enhance Sabah’s development, while adhering to industrial best practices.
“If this becomes a reality, we will be able to attract more investors, which will open up job opportunities and the exchange of knowledge and experience from abroad,” he said.
He urged IEM and relevant authorities to encourage the younger generation to take up engineering as a career to produce Sabah engineers with the capability to compete at the international level.
IEM President Dr Jeffrey Chiang Choong Luin commended the organisation’s Sabah chapter for actively serving the needs of its members in the state and upholding the engineering profession in the state.
The IEM Sabah Branch’s membership currently stands at 2,200, making it the fourth largest.
The text of his speech was delivered by IEM Deputy President, Yau Chau Fong.
The event also saw the installation of new IEM Sabah Chairman with Mohd Yaakob Bin Hj Jaafar taking the helm for the 2024-2025 session from outgoing Branch Chairman Chin Tet Fu@Wily who served from 2023-2024.
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