KUALA LUMPUR – Sabah and Sarawak will each continue receiving between 15% and 18% of the total basic development allocation annually in the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP).
According to the 12MP document released by the Economic Planning Unit, a significant portion of this allocation will be channelled to the economic sectors in both states to contribute towards improving infrastructure and basic facilities in Sabah and Sarawak.
In addition, during the 12MP’s period, five Native Courts will be constructed in Sabah, while 10 Sarawak Bumiputera Courts will be upgraded to provide better services to the communities in respective states.
“The government has also targeted to map 65,000ha of native customary rights land in Sabah and 397,000 in Sarawak over the five years of the 12MP,” the document said.
Also noteworthy in 12MP is the Malaysia Agreement 1963 where the process of handing over regulatory power over gas and electricity under the agreement will continue, with a number of provisions in the existing law to be amended, and a regulatory body will be established.
The document said a committee will be established comprising multiple key federal and state agencies responsible for regional planning, coordination, and evaluation in bridging development gaps across regions and states.
A total of seven projects involving 3,202 low-cost houses under the People’s Housing Programme in Sabah and Sarawak will be completed during the 12MP period to ensure the provision of affordable houses is more sustainable in the long run.
“Other than that, more affordable houses will be constructed for the targeted groups in Sabah and Sarawak, including 2,400 for each state under Syarikat Perumahan Negara Bhd,” the document said.
It said that the government will also enhance border security by increasing the number of security posts along the international border of Sabah and Sarawak to prevent the entry of illegal immigrants and combat unlawful activities.
A holistic plan will also be implemented to manage illegal immigrants, with a comprehensive enforcement strategy involving the related agencies, state governments, and the public.
Recognising the potential of the Pan Borneo as a game-changer for Sabah and Sarawak, consolidation hubs will be established along the route to ensure cargo handling efficiency.
Other than that, business registration regulations will be reviewed and reformed to improve the ease of doing business, attract higher investments, and intensify business growth in Sabah and Sarawak. – Bernama, September 27, 2021
