KOTA KINABALU – Putrajaya has allocated RM600 million for Sabah under the Rural and Regional Development Ministry, announced its minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, today.
Zahid, who is also deputy prime minister, said the allocation will include the cost for rural infrastructure development, rural electricity supply, rural water supply, and dilapidated house repairs.
He noted the projects are based on the joint list made by the federal and state governments, and that the ministry has set the scopes of the projects as “low-cost, high-impact”.
“I will personally see through the effectiveness of such a huge allocation and will also monitor the poorest areas in the state, with priority given to the three poorest districts in Sabah,” said Zahid during his visit here today.
He had earlier pointed out his ministry has been provided with a RM3.5 billion budget in 2023.
The three poorest districts are Pitas, Kota Marudu, and Tongod.
Zahid said he has discussed with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim the need to focus on the three districts so these areas will get a fair development allocation, adding that Anwar himself wants to achieve a zero-poverty goal this year.
“Special efforts must be given to improve the industries in the poorest districts in Sabah, and there must be collaboration with the Investment, Trade and Industry Minister to develop local entrepreneurs,” said Zahid, adding that cooperation should also be made with the Public Works Ministry to improve local infrastructure.
In another development, Zahid has proposed to the Sabah government to officially submit their request to establish their own Borneo Aviation Authority to the federal government via Sabah and Sarawak Affairs Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali.
“I hope Armizan can bring this matter to cabinet,” said Zahid in response to Keningau MP Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan’s proposal to set up a body to regulate the aviation industry in the East Malaysian region, as well as dealing with the surge in air fares during the festive season.
Zahid also noted that the prime minister is looking into suggestions on setting up boutique airways to cater to travel between Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia.
He added that the surge in airfare during the festive seasons had also been discussed at the cabinet level.
He added that Transport Minister Anthony Loke has met with airline firms on the issue of not just determining prices based on supply and demand, but also having some kind of corporate social responsibility.
“We hope in the upcoming festivals, these matters can be resolved immediately. The federal government is truly concerned with the difficulties faced by the people of Sabah and Sarawak who work in the peninsula.
“We hope this matter will not happen again during the upcoming Gawai and Kaamatan harvest festival,” he said. – The Vibes, May 4, 2023
