KOTA KINABALU – Budget 2022 is inclusive and leaves no one behind, said Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Mohd Noor.
He said that the RM332.1 billion “Keluarga Malaysia, Makmur Sejahtera” budget is huge as next year is expected to be a recovery year for all economic sectors affected by the pandemic.
“The increment in allocation for basic amenities, infrastructure, water, electricity, and health care development for Sabah to RM5.2 billion is good news,” he said in a statement following the unveiling of Budget 2022 yesterday.
He said Sabah appreciates the federal government’s continuous concern for the state’s needs by proposing RM1.5 billion for rural infrastructure development in East Malaysia.
Hajiji also welcomed the assurance that infrastructure projects worth RM3.5 billion, which includes the Pan Borneo highway, will be continued next year.
The proposed tax reliefs and incentives for various sectors in the budget tabled by Finance Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz complement the state government’s Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya agenda.
“We see the national budget as complementing the 12th Malaysia Plan and we welcome the proposed allocations for Sabah next year,” he said.
The chief minister also welcomed the proposed RM746 million allocation as the main portion of it is for 112 projects to upgrade dilapidated schools in the state.
He said he was also happy with the RM209 million subsidy for air transport services in Sabah and Sarawak.
Hajiji added that the proposed General Operations Force camp at Pagalungan will really help boost border security between Malaysia and Indonesia.
Joining him during the live budget viewing were Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan, state Local Government And Housing Minister/Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun, State Secretary Datuk Seri Safar Untong, and senior government officers. – The Vibes, October 30, 2021
