Sabah’s Federal Development Expenditure Reaches 71.78pc

Sabah’s federal development expenditure performance rose to 71.78 per cent as of Oct 26, 2026, compared with 52.07 per cent on Aug 10, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor. He said 290 development projects had been completed in Sabah this year, including Sekolah Menengah Sains Sabah in Kota Kinabalu and Sekolah Kebangsaan Buit Hill in Penampang.

“This demonstrates our ability to implement development projects successfully, and this positive performance must be sustained,” he said when chairing the State Development Action Council (MTPNg) meeting at on 28 October 2026 at Menara Kinabalu.

Hajiji urged all ministries, departments and implementing agencies to maximise the utilisation of remaining development allocations before the end of the 2026 financial year, particularly for projects with substantial unspent allocations or implementation delays. He said issues involving technical approvals, land acquisition, utility relocation, procurement and contract management must be identified and resolved promptly through effective coordination among the relevant agencies.

“Every development allocation is a responsibility entrusted to us and must be translated into tangible benefits for the people. Approved allocations must result in facilities and improvements that Sabahans can experience,” he said.

Meanwhile, Hajiji welcomed the RM18.7 billion allocation for Sabah under Budget MADANI 2027, tabled on Oct 9, compared with RM17.6 billion this year. He said the increased allocation reflected the Federal Government’s continued commitment to addressing Sabah’s development needs, particularly in basic infrastructure and public well-being.

Among the priority projects are Phase 1B of the Pan Borneo Highway in Sabah, electricity supply improvements through the STATCOM System projects at Dam Road and Segaliud in Sandakan, and the Southern Link Transmission Line in Sipitang. He also highlighted the allocation of nearly RM1.3 billion to upgrade 682 dilapidated schools in Sabah and Sarawak, saying the initiative would help improve learning environments and educational facilities.

Hajiji called on the relevant ministries and agencies to ensure thorough preparations and timely implementation of all projects according to their priorities and schedules. He stressed that MTPNg meetings should serve as a platform to resolve implementation challenges and drive concrete action, rather than merely discussing problems.

“I am confident that through close cooperation between the Federal and State Governments, as well as the commitment of all implementing agencies, Sabah’s development agenda can continue to progress sustainably and inclusively, in line with the aspirations of Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) 2.0,” he said.

He added that development success should be measured not only by the number of allocations, or the number of projects implemented, but also by their impact on the quality of life and well-being of Sabahans.

At the meeting, Hajiji also welcomed newly appointed Sabah Federal Secretary Datuk Zul Hadi Ahmad, expressing hope for stronger cooperation between the Federal and State Governments to ensure effective implementation of Sabah’s development agenda.