Federal Government Approves RM1.57 Billion MP13 Allocation for Sabah Health Sector to Fulfill MA63 Commitments

KOTA KINABALU, Aug 17 — The Federal Government has approved a RM1.57 billion allocation under the First Rolling Plan of the 13th Malaysia Plan (MP13) to fulfill commitments under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) for Sabah health sector.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad announced that the funding encompasses 53 development projects — comprising 46 ongoing initiatives and seven new high-impact projects — designed to expand medical infrastructure across the state.

“Among the new projects are the RM125 million Sabah Heart Centre and the RM81.95 million Sapulut Type 5 Health Clinic in Nabawan, including staff quarters,” Dr Dzulkefly told reporters following the inaugural 2026 Sabah Health Development Joint Action Committee meeting here today.

The meeting was co-chaired alongside Sabah Minister of Women, Health and People’s Wellbeing Datuk Julita Majungki, with Ministry of Health (MOH) Secretary-General Datuk Seri Hasnol Zam Zam Ahmad also in attendance.

Addressing healthcare staffing shortages, Dr Dzulkefly highlighted that 607 new posts were created in Sabah as of August 1 this year to ensure medical facilities operate at optimal capacity. The additions include 355 positions in the Management and Professional category — comprising 77 medical specialists and 203 medical, dental, and pharmacy officers — alongside 252 support staff roles.

Dr Dzulkefly further revealed that MOH aims to progressively increase the Sabah Health Department’s annual budget allocation by five per cent each year, targeting total annual funding of RM4 billion by 2030.

On ongoing MA63 healthcare decentralization negotiations, the minister reported smooth progress across five joint subcommittees, noting that 33 specific demands submitted by Sabah have been reviewed for implementation.

“The MOH and Sabah Government will focus fully on moving towards comprehensive implementation. Progress in the negotiations and implementation will be monitored through a Balanced Scorecard with key performance indicators agreed by both sides,” Dr Dzulkefly explained, commending the Sabah state government for its openness and strong cooperation.

“We will continue working together to ensure all these commitments are successfully implemented to safeguard the quality of healthcare and wellbeing of Sabahans,” he added.

In addition to long-term MP13 commitments, Dr Dzulkefly announced nearly RM4.3 million in immediate funding following his inspection of three district hospitals in Sabah yesterday.

Under the immediate allocation, Tambunan Hospital will receive RM988,000 to upgrade its Emergency Department, repair its canteen, and acquire new medical equipment. Ranau Hospital has been allocated RM1.279 million to rectify critical facility defects, while Kota Belud Hospital will receive RM2.01 million to upgrade its Outpatient Unit, improve dental facilities, and replace an 18-year-old mobile X-ray machine.

–NMT