THE Sabah government today tabled a RM5.737 billion budget, with key focuses covering issues like food security and socio-economic gaps in the state.
The 2024 Sabah Budget 2024, which was tabled by state Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun, has a surplus of RM35.87 million. It carries the theme of “Sabah Teguh, Rakyat Terbela”, meaning that Sabah remains steadfast, and its people are protected.
Masidi, in tabling the budget, said the state would now be able to take various initiatives in view of the recovery of Sabah’s economy, which is expected to grow by 4% next year.
“Economic growth and development are essential to ensure the prosperity and well-being of the state,” he said.
“Therefore, the state’s revenue needs to remain strong in order to formulate a holistic growth and development plan to ensure that everyone can enjoy the benefits and spillover effects.
“Considering the optimistic economic outlook for next year, we are able to undertake various initiatives to address the needs of the people, particularly in providing better basic infrastructure and public amenities,” he said.
He said the 2024 Sabah Budget was geared to achieve the following objectives:
1. Increase and strengthen the growth of key sectors, namely agriculture and food security, industrial, and tourism
2. Empower human capital by strengthening knowledge, skills, and spiritual values to foster a strong self-identity
3. Address socio-economic gaps and improve the people’s standard of living through various initiatives geared towards inclusivity and equality
4. Develop enablers to support economic development that includes basic infrastructure and infostructure as well as public facilities
5. Enhance the ability, efficiency and effectiveness of the state’s administration and delivery system
“Furthermore, implementation of prudent spending policy, cultivation of integrity and effective work practices will streamline the state government’s administration in accordance with the 2024 budget theme,” he said.
Masidi said the state proposed an estimated revenue amounting to RM5.737 billion and an estimated supply expenditure amounting to RM5.701 billion.
“The well-being of the people is the state’s priority. By implementing the formulated strategies, Sabahans will prosper as long as our state’s economy advances robustly and sustainably.
“The budget is particularly formulated to uplift the well-being of the people through continuous development programmes. I would like to emphasise that the state government is committed to preparing a holistic and inclusive Budget,” he said.
The 2024 Budget allocates funds to the following ministries:
Ministry of Finance – Supply Budget RM2.48 billion, Development Budget RM5 million
Ministry of Works – Supply Budget RM1.03 billion, Development Budget RM689.66 million
Chief Minister’s Department – Supply Budget RM712.64 million, Development Budget RM177.83 million
Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry: Supply Budget RM363.91 million, Development Budget RM189.16 million
Sabah Ministry of Rural Development – Supply Budget RM82.67 million, Development Budget RM144.50 million
Ministry of Local Government and Housing – Supply Budget RM184.71 million, Development Budget RM25.32 million
Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation – Supply Budget RM180.13 million, Development Budget RM9.15 million
Ministry of Community Development and People’s Wellbeing – Supply Budget RM148.82 million, Development Budget RM16.54 million;
Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment – Supply Budget RM120.87 million, Development Budget RM21.04 million;
Sabah Ministry of Youth and Sports – Supply Budget RM88.67 million, Development Budget RM11.5 million
Ministry of Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship – Supply Budget RM26.11 million, Development Budget RM38 million
The Supply Budget for charged expenses is RM238.24 million and for expenditure not included in the ministries is RM43.33 million. – The Vibes, November 24, 2023.
