Development Projects at Critical Stage

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor has once again sounded the alarm pertaining to development projects. Under the National 2024 Budget for development, Sabah’s allocation was RM6.6 billion for 2024.

The allocation covers development programmes which include flood mitigations, rehabilitation of the Tuaran River, construction of new schools, repairing dilapidated schools and building new clinics and Tamu Desa premises. During a State Development Action Council (MTPNg) meeting on 23 July 2024 at Menara Kinabalu, Hajiji said that as of July 2024, Sabah has spent only RM1.791 billion or 35.46 per cent as compared to the national performance of 43.45 per cent under the 12th Malaysia Plan.

Hajiji said that there were 1,218 ongoing projects but 25 of them have been categorised as 'sick'. These 'sick' projects included energy, water, electricity, schools, health facilities and other amenities that were not completed within the stipulated period. Sabah must utilise allocation and especially projects costing below RM50 million which are within the State’s approving authority. "We have passed mid-year. We must quickly and effectively review our performance against respective targets,” Hajiji said.