SABAH: PILLAR OF MALAYSIA'S ECONOMIC STRENGTH - AHMAD ZAHID

BEAUFORT, Nov 26  (Bernama) --  Sabah is not just another state in Malaysia but a pillar of the nation’s economic strength and stability, particularly in advancing the rural development agenda, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

The Minister of Rural and Regional Development described Sabah as a state with immense economic potential, but one that requires a more integrated approach to address fundamental infrastructure issues involving roads, water and electricity.

He acknowledged the Sabah government's efforts and commitment in tackling these challenges, but stressed that further improvements to basic amenities are essential to ensure the well-being of the people and support more inclusive development.

“These infrastructure issues must be resolved to attract more investors to Sabah. With that, more job opportunities can be created for the people of Sabah, thus helping to reduce unemployment.

“This approach will also enable Sabah’s youth to work in their home state without having to seek employment in Johor, Penang or the Klang Valley, allowing them to support their families while contributing to the state's economy,” he said when officiating the Felcra MADANI Santuni Rakyat @ Lumadan Programme here today.

Also present was Felcra Berhad chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Jazlan Yaakub.

Meanwhile, Ahmad Zahid, who also chairs the National Disaster Committee, said the government had agreed to consider prioritising the construction of a Flood Mitigation Plan (RTB) in the Beaufort area.

He said the initiative is crucial to ensuring a more effective and comprehensive solution to the recurring flood disasters that frequently affect the district.

-- BERNAMA