KOTA KINABALU – The RM9.13 billion allotted for Sabah and Sarawak under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) is “peanuts”, said Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan, insisting that the states require more for development.
The Sabah deputy chief minister pointed out that the allocation still requires parliamentary approval under the national budget, but also admitted that he was glad the sum was fenced in for East Malaysia.
However, he said Sabah should be given the appropriate budget in accordance with the state’s contribution to federal coffers, as stated in the federal constitution.
“If the federal (government) collects around RM60 billion from Sabah annually, then we only want our rights as stated in the federal constitution, which is 40% from the net revenue.
"If it’s RM60 billion, that means Sabah should be getting RM24 billion. Only RM9 billion, divided between Sabah and Sarawak – that is peanuts. We need more.
“This is in the constitution. We need the money to develop the state. That is all. We are not asking for more than we deserve. We need what is in the constitution. Be fair. We are begging the federal government to consider this,” he said when met here today.
Yesterday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob had announced the allocation under 12MP at the Malaysia Day ceremony in Kota Kinabalu.
Out of the RM9.13 billion, Sabah will be getting RM4.66 billion while Sarawak receives RM4.47 billion. The funds are expected to be tabled in Parliament on September 27.
The Keningau MP said he believed the RM18 million flood relief fund from the federal government could be upfront aid, and more may come in future.
“Perhaps in another one or two weeks they will give more, hopefully, more than what Kedah has received.
“We are bigger than Kedah, we have more problems, we have more rain and the disasters are much worse. I would understand the people’s frustration over this. It’s like we are being given a hoe to cut down a hill even though we need machinery to do the job.
“I hope the federal government will consider this and this is my plea to the federal government,” said Jeffrey in response to the widespread criticism that Kedah was given RM78 million when it was hit with a flood disaster in August.
Regarding the flooding problem in Putatan and Penampang, Jeffrey said the disasters will persist as the work to improve the irrigation system and deal with the problem currently hinges on a string of problems.
For instance, he said, only RM281 million has been given to Sabah by the federal government out of RM491 million to complete the Moyog River Basin Integrated River Development Project.
He said the funds are insufficient to complete the four packages, adding that only two packages have started while the other two are on hold due to lack of funding.
“Around 70% of the projects from the two packages have commenced, mostly the ones which have already been funded,” he said.
Jeffrey also said the projects cannot start due to existing obstructions like electric cables, other cables and houses built close to the irrigation and drainage system that need to be removed – requiring more funding.
He said some of the work has already begun but it has been split as some projects are on hold due to the obstructions.
The STAR president added that cooperation from Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd, the Water Department, Public Works Department, and the residents near the rivers are also required.
He said there are no estimated times as to when the four packages can be completed due to the obstructions.
Jeffrey also expressed hope that the remaining funds can be hastened as the year-end monsoon season is about to start.
“There will be more rain and flooding at the end of the year. The federal government should give us all the funds, not portions of it. So, Putrajaya needs to give all that we need to solve the problem,” he said.
The recent thunderstorm had caused flooding in many parts of Penampang, Putatan and Kota Kinabalu, as well as claimed three lives.
The Moyog River Basin Integrated River Development Project had been introduced in the 11th Malaysia Plan but after over than five years, the project remains incomplete. – The Vibes, September 17, 2021
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