Chief Minister Hajiji Pledges Full Federal Allocation for Public Welfare and Infrastructure Upgrades

KOTA KINABALU, Aug 9 — All revenue received by Sabah from the Federal Government will be channelled back directly to the people through various forms of incentives, assistance, and state development initiatives, announced Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.

Highlighting the increase in the interim special grant payment to RM1.5 billion starting this year, Hajiji assured that the funds will be fully utilized to construct paved roads, build concrete bridges, and upgrade basic water and electricity supply infrastructure throughout the state.

“We welcome Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s decision to increase the interim payment, and we will use the proceeds for development and people’s welfare agendas such as the construction of more Rumah Mesra Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) units and the Sentuhan Kasih Rakyat (SYUKUR) programme,” Hajiji said.

“Whatever we receive from the Federal Government will be returned to the people in various forms of incentives and assistance,” he added.

He delivered his remarks while speaking at the 32nd anniversary celebration of the United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO) and the official opening of the 17th UPKO Triennial Delegates Conference.

The Sabah state government was previously reported to have received RM600 million of the RM1.5 billion interim special grant payment disbursed by Putrajaya on June 12.

In addition to federal transfers, Hajiji underscored that the state administration remains focused on sharpening financial performance and boosting local revenue collection, maintaining annual collections at RM7 billion since 2022 with expectations to reach RM8 billion this year.

He noted that Sabah’s overall economic resilience continues to gain strength despite enduring domestic and global financial headwinds, solidifying the state’s standing as a strategic destination for long-term investment.

–NMT