THE Prime Minister has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to addressing Sabah’s core infrastructure needs, focusing on water, roads, and electricity, through major projects such as the Ulu Padas Hydroelectric Dam and the Pan Borneo Highway.
Prime Minister’s senior political secretary Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin said Anwar’s efforts are driven by a desire to meet the basic needs of Sabahans and ensure sustainable development.
“We are all aware of the AJK issues, but we see that the Prime Minister, together with the Sabah state government, is genuinely focusing on implementing infrastructure projects for the benefit of the people,” Bernama reported him saying.
Shamsul Iskandar highlighted Anwar’s visit to officiate the Ulu Padas Hydroelectric Dam in Tenom’s interior in December 2023, roughly a year after taking office, as evidence of his commitment to resolving electricity and water challenges.
The dam, slated for completion in 2029, is expected to generate 187.5 megawatts of electricity, boosting Sabah’s power grid capacity by 15 per cent, and supply 6,000 million litres of water daily.
“The Prime Minister, together with the Sabah government, is genuinely focused on implementing infrastructure projects such as the Pan Borneo Highway,” he added, describing the highway as a lifeline that connects communities, creates jobs, and improves living standards across the state.
On federal-state relations, Shamsul Iskandar noted Anwar’s dedication to implementing the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), underscoring that his administration has resolved nine of Sabah’s claims under the agreement.
“The sincerity and dedication, in other words, the Prime Minister’s commitment, to resolve these claims is evident. As we often hear in his speeches, this is reflected in his actions,” he said, adding that the remaining claims will be addressed in stages through the Malaysia Agreement 1963 Implementation Action Council.
Budget allocations further reflect the administration’s focus on Sabah, with the MADANI government setting aside RM6.9 billion for development in Budget 2026, up from RM6.7 billion in the previous year, to ensure sustained growth. - November 9, 2025
Sabah, Anwar Ibrahim, Infrastructure, Pan Borneo Highway, Ulu Padas Dam, MA63, Federal Allocation, MADANI Government, Development, Water, Electricity, Roads
