Financial Assistance for Mission and Independent Schools, Temples, Churches Increase to RM90 million

The State Government cares for all communities regardless of race and religion. Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) has always practiced the spirit of fairness, justice, solidarity and togetherness ever since helming the government for the past five years. One of GRS’ good track records is the RM70 million in financial assistance to mission and independent schools, temples and non-Muslim religious bodies, which will be increased to RM90 million in 2026, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor said at a Get-Together Night on 22 September 2025 with the Chinese community, mission and Chinese independent schools and non-Muslim religious bodies held at the Wisma Hakka Hall, Kota Kinabalu.

The State Government would recognise the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) and that the holders are eligible for state scholarships and enrolments in state-owned higher learning institutions, he added. The CM also shared current key issues such as water supply shortages which have been a legacy issue resulting from bad decision by the previous Parti Warisan Sabah led State Government terminating the water supply concession contracts.

“As a result of the termination of contracts, the present State Government paid compensation of RM315 million to the companies involved. We proceeded to resolve the water shortage issue by initiating 18 water supply development projects using a federal loan of RM300 million," Hajiji said.

Among the projects for the past two years include the RM365 million Kogopon Water Treatment Plant in Papar which will be completed by 2026; and the RM300 million Air Cinta Mata Dam project, Tawau, which will be completed by 2027. The Kota Kinabalu City water supply is expected to improve as soon as the Telibong II Water Treatment Plant is fully completed. The construction, repair and upgrading works of the water treatment plant throughout Sabah cost RM1.2 billion.

For the long-term solution, the State Government will use the Ulu Padas Hydroelectric Project for power generation, and the Ulu Padas Water Supply Scheme to provide a capacity of 6,000 MLD of water, through a joint venture between state-owned Sabah Energy Corporation Sdn Bhd and Gamuda Berhad, the implementer of the Ulu Padas Hydroelectric Project, and with Kerjaya Kagum Hitech JV Sdn Bhd. The JV project will be completed by 2030.

In the midst of the water shortage crisis, Sabah is facing water theft through illegal piping connections at illegal squatter settlements. Sabah is among the states with the highest Non-Revenue Water rate, reaching up to 57 per cent. Hajiji said that with the challenges Sabah is dealing with, the Water Department will be corporatised.