KOTA KINABALU – Sabah’s statutory bodies and government-linked firms provided RM138.7 million in dividends and contributions to the state up to October 30, which is 8.8% lower than the amount received last year.
The drop comes after Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiiji had set RM1 million as the least amount for such payouts for all GLCs and statutory bodies this year.
Sabah has over 200 GLCs and statutory bodies, but little more than ten are paying their dividends.
Hajiji expressed his disappointment during the closing ceremony of a board of directors’ course and the presentation of dividends and contributions at the Shangri-La Tanjung Aru near here today.
His speech was delivered by state Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun.
“It is a little disappointing. All the statutory bodies and GLCs need to beef up efforts to generate more income in the years ahead,” Hajiji said.
He reminded the statutory bodies and GLCs to support the state in developing the economy, reduce the state’s dependence on imports, and eradicate poverty.
Among those paying dividends to the state government was the “youngest” state GLC, SMJ Sdn Bhd (SMJSB), which paid RM50 million.
The other agencies paying dividends were Sabah Credit Corporation (RM17 million), KKIP Sdn Bhd (12 million), Sabah Energy Corporation Sdn Bhd (RM12 million), Innoprise Corporation Sdn Bhd (RM3.568 million), Desa Plus Sdn Bhd (RM2 million), Sabah International Dairies Sdn Bhd (RM1 million), Borneo Development Corporation (RM355,320), Sabah Air Aviation Sdn Bhd (RM305,210) and Keningau Agro-Venture Sdn Bhd (RM500,000).
Six agencies contributed to the state government. Sabah Rubber Industry Board contributed RM1.5 million, while Sabah Ports Authority, Sabah Forest Development Authority (Safoda), Rural Development Corporation, and Sabah Land Development Board each contributed RM1 million, and Ko-Nelayan gave RM500,000. – The Vibes, October 31, 2023
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