Sabah Increases Allocation for Education

Sabah has increased annual allocation for Chinese schools and non-Muslim religious bodies from RM43 million in 2020 and 2021 to RM47 million in 2022, RM54.05 million in 2023, RM56.75 million in 2024, RM70 million in 2025 and RM90 million in 2026. “We continue to uphold the principles of justice, equality and inclusivity for all,” Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor said at the opening ceremony of the Student Activity Centre Hall at Sekolah Menengah Jenis Kebangsaan (SMJK) Tiong Hua on 10 October 2026 at Sandakan.

“Race or religion are never the issue. The needs of the people and the future of Sabah are the priorities. Our commitment is providing better access to education.” For the state scholarship, Sabah has increased the annual allocation from RM50 million in 2020 to RM155 million in 2026, and the government has continued financing the 14 education assistance initiatives since 2021, in line with the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) 2.0 Development Plan to nurture human capital development.

The new facility at SMJK Tiong Hua reflects the collective commitment of the school, parents, community, alumni and private sector in Sabah’s journey to develop an educated and skilled generation of youths, Hajiji said. “The SMJK Tiong Hua community has demonstrated the spirit of unity where students from different racial and religious backgrounds study and play together,” the CM added. “The school and the community are a source of pride for the people of Sandakan, having produced outstanding Sabahans in various fields over the years, including academics, business, leadership and public service.”

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