2026 SABAH BUDGET TO PRIORITISE RESOLVING LONG-STANDING INFRASTRUCTURE ISSUES - HAJIJI

KOTA KINABALU, Dec 12 (Bernama) -- Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor emphasised that the 2026 Sabah Budget will prioritise resolving the long-standing basic infrastructure issues persistently affecting the people, especially in rural areas.

He said a key commitment will be to solve problems with water supply, electricity, and roads to ensure public welfare, in line with the budget’s theme of 'Driving Development, Prioritising People's Well-being'.

“This is what we will implement next year. Issues concerning water, electricity, and roads in rural areas will be given priority. The less fortunate will also continue receiving assistance. 

“Furthermore, human capital development will remain a core priority, supported by aid for Sabahan children to pursue their schooling and higher education,” he told reporters after the tabling of the RM6.402 billion budget at the State Legislative Assembly sitting here today. 

The Sabah government projects revenue of RM6.43 billion for the coming year, resulting in a surplus of RM28 million.

The budget was tabled by Deputy Chief Minister II Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun, who is also the state Minister of Finance.

Masidi highlighted that the budget was formulated through extensive engagement sessions with state ministries and departments, incorporating various economic indicators and accounting for the anticipated uncertainty in global economic projections for the coming year.

The budget also considers the implementation of new programmes and initiatives for the first year of the 13th Malaysia Plan.

Meanwhile, Sabah Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Environment Datuk Jafry Ariffin said the budget clearly demonstrates the state government’s strong commitment to strengthening the sectors under the ministry as key pillars of Sabah's development.

“This budget not only supports the growth of tourism, culture, and the environment, but also reflects the government's commitment to high-impact, sustainable development for the well-being of Sabahans.

“I am confident that with effective execution and the cooperation of all stakeholders, these sectors will continue to thrive and deliver significant benefits to the state’s economy,” he said.

He added that the resulting economic benefits, driven by growth in tourism, the strengthening of cultural heritage, and green economic development, will directly reach the people, from rural communities and small entrepreneurs to industry leaders. 

-- BERNAMA