Shahelmey (seated fourth from left), Economic Minister Rafizi Ramli (third from left), Community Development and People’s Wellbeing Minister Datuk James Ratib, State Secretary Datuk Seri Panglima Safar Untong, invited guests and participants of the engagement session.
KOTA KINABALU (Dec 19): Strengthening basic infrastructure and utilities is a critical aspect of development that requires special attention in Sabah, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor.
Therefore, he urged the Federal Government to prioritize the development of basic infrastructure and utilities in the state under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP).
“The provision of essential utilities, such as access to clean water and reliable electricity, especially in rural areas, is crucial to improving the standard of living for the people. Additionally, it can stimulate various activities, including economic growth and investment.
“This is important to create a conducive environment for sustainable socioeconomic growth in Sabah,” he said during today’s 13MP Sabah State Engagement Session with the Federal Ministry of Economy at the Pacific Sutera Hotel.
Hajiji’s speech was delivered by Deputy Chief Minister III cum Works Minister Datuk Shahelmey Yahya.
He pointed out that the significant development gap between urban and rural areas in Sabah is a challenge that needs to be addressed collectively.
“The state government believes that balanced development is key to the well-being of society. This aligns with the state’s aspirations to ensure that every citizen, regardless of geographical location, can enjoy the benefits of implemented development,” he said.
The Chief Minister also expressed hope that the Federal Government’s initiatives to close the development gap between regions and strengthen socioeconomic development in Sabah, as implemented under 12MP, can be continued and enhanced further through 13MP.
“With continued cooperation between the Federal and state governments to realize these efforts, I am confident that we can provide equal opportunities for all Sabahans to enjoy better progress and prosperity,” he said.
Meanwhile, Hajiji noted that Sabah ranked as the sixth-largest contributor to the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP), with a value of RM83.2 billion or 5.3% of the total GDP in 2023.
He added that with its vast economic potential and available resources, Sabah has the capacity to further enhance its economic performance and make a more significant contribution to the national GDP.
As such, he emphasized that the government’s primary focus is to create a conducive environment for the growth of business and investment sectors and to drive high-impact economic activities.
“In striving to achieve this goal, priority is given to developing more downstream activities in key industries, including biomass, palm oil, as well as oil and gas. By encouraging the expansion of these sectors, Sabah has the potential to create more job opportunities and improve the standard of living for its people,” he stressed.
In the context of initiating and implementing development projects under 13MP, he expressed strong hope that Sabah’s ministries, departments and agencies would be more proactively involved, starting from the early stages of project planning.
“With early involvement, we can ensure that project implementation truly meets the state’s needs and is prioritized. Additionally, collaboration with state agencies in determining development projects under Federal funding can enhance the feasibility of projects, as issues like site availability, utilities, and suitable interventions can be identified at an early stage.
“With proper coordination, we can ensure that every development project implemented in Sabah runs smoothly and achieves its intended goals,” he said.
The post Prioritize development of basic infrastructure and utilities in Sabah – CM appeared first on Borneo Post Online.