Sabah, with RM18.6b in allocations, hails 2027 budget as alleviating burden for all Malaysians

KOTA KINABALU, Oct 9 — Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor described the National 2027 Budget as a comprehensive budget that alleviates the people's financial burden and reflects the strength of the country's economy.

He said the budget that was proposed earlier today saw benefitted Malaysians through tax reductions and incentives for civil servants, businesses and all segments of society.

“It demonstrates the strength of our country's economy and financial position, despite the impact of the ongoing crisis in West Asia,” he said after watching the live broadcast of the tabling of the National 2027 Budget at Menara Kinabalu today.

In Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s proposed budget, Sabah continues to be the biggest recipient of federal allocations with RM18.6 billion for next year, an increase of 6.25 per cent compared to RM17.6 billion for this year.

In addition, Anwar said road projects in Sabah and Sarawak would continue with an allocation of RM3.3 billion under the 2027 Budget.

He also announced that the government had agreed to double the number of Public Service Department (JPA) scholarships offered to students from Sabah and Sarawak.

“This means that 4,200 students from Sabah and Sarawak will have the opportunity to pursue higher education at universities each year,” he said.

On boosting power supply system, he said the government has also agreed to install Static Synchronous Compensator (STATCOM) systems at the Dam Road and Segaliud Main Intake Substations at a cost of RM204 million.

The Southern Link Transmission Line project will also proceed as a long-term measure to ensure the sustainability of electricity supply in Sabah.

Road infrastructure along the borders of Sabah, Sarawak and Kalimantan will also continue to be upgraded to facilitate two-way movement.

Anwar also reiterated that the resolution of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) with the two east Malaysian state was to be viewed as part of the national covenant and promised that the interim payment of RM1.5 billion will be settled before the end of the year, while negotiations with Sabah and Sarawak will continue to finalise a fair and sustainable annual formula.

Also watching the live telecast with Hajiji were Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun, State Secretary Datuk Zainudin Aman, assistant ministers and senior state government officers.