Sabah allocates millions in Budget 2025 to uplift lives, foster resilience

THE Sabah government will allocate hundreds of millions of ringgit to uplift the lives of Sabahans and foster economic resilience under the Sabah Budget 2025.

Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun said the government is determined to ensure no one is left behind in Sabah’s development agenda.

“Our priority is to ensure that all Sabahans have access to opportunities for growth and a better quality of life,” Masidi said during the State Legislative Assembly.

Under the budget, RM 358.5 million will be set aside for the Program Sentuhan Kasih Rakyat, providing RM 300 monthly cash aid to the poor and hardcore poor.

A total of RM 488.5 million has been allocated for poverty eradication initiatives, focusing on affordable housing, direct financial aid, and economic empowerment programmes.

Masidi announced RM 250 million for the Rumah Mesra Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) programme to construct 3,000 new homes for low-income families.

As of October this year, 4,482 houses under this programme have been completed, he said.

For small business owners, hawkers, and petty traders, the government introduced a one-off cash aid program of RM 5,000 per recipient, with a total allocation of RM15 million, aimed at helping them recover and grow.

Masidi also revealed RM 19.5 million for small development projects to improve grassroots infrastructure and public facilities. An additional RM 214 million will go toward maintaining public infrastructure and amenities statewide.

“These initiatives show our commitment to supporting the backbone of Sabah’s economy – our small businesses,” Masidi noted.

The budget includes RM 26.4 million in subsidies, training, and micro-financing schemes for small-scale farmers and entrepreneurs to boost productivity and foster self-reliance.

To enhance educational opportunities, RM 127 million has been set aside for scholarships and student cash aid, benefiting 7,130 active students and 3,000 new students.

Masidi also highlighted additional aid for students, including:

* RM 300 one-off aid for students of higher learning under the Sentosa Programme.

* RM 2,000 and RM 1,500 one-off aid for degree and diploma/matriculation students under the Budi Programme.

* RM 600 airfare subsidy for graduates under the GRS-Subfly Programme.

* RM3,000 one-off aid for 1,500 schools to support school activities.

“These initiatives reflect our commitment to building a resilient and independent community,” Masidi said.

The budget also supports civil servants, with salary adjustments for 21,228 personnel to be implemented in December 2024 and January 2025.

“These adjustments align with federal policies and aim to enhance the welfare of our public servants,” he added.

Civil servants in Grade 56 and below, including contract staff, will receive RM 500 one-time financial assistance, while retirees, including veterans, will receive RM 250.

“This is our way of recognising their dedication and helping them cope with the rising cost of living,” Masidi said.

The Sabah Budget 2025 underscores the government’s dedication to addressing socio-economic challenges while empowering communities and driving sustainable growth. - November 15, 2024