Photo: Bernama
KOTA KINABALU: State and federal agencies alike must ensure that the RM6.6bil worth of development projects approved for Sabah under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) Fourth Rolling Plan are implemented this year, says the Chief Minister.
Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor (pic) said under this plan, Sabah will receive development funds for projects such as premises development such as the Tamu (market) Desa initiative, repairs, clean-up of rivers, flood mitigation projects, new school construction, upgrading and maintenance of dilapidated schools, and the construction of new clinics.
“It is important that there is synergy between state and federal agencies to ensure prompt implementation of these projects for the people’s benefit,” he said in a statement after chairing the State Development Action Council (MTPNg) meeting at Menara Kinabalu here on Tuesday (March 5).
Hajiji said there must be a sense of urgency in resolving any obstacles to these projects in the inclusive spirit of Malaysia Madani and Sabah Maju Jaya.
“We must improve the delivery system to expedite the approval process in every department. In addition, government agencies must take full advantage of technology including digitalisation to boost delivery services," he said.
Hajiji said it was also important for the government to be a facilitator for all quarters, especially the private sector which is a key driver of the nation's economy.
He repeated his call for all elected representatives and department heads to go down to the ground and effectively resolve problems affecting the people.
He said as of January, Sabah had spent RM4.9bil or 97% of the allocation under the Third Rolling Plan under the 12MP.
Hajiji urged the ministries, departments and agencies involved to take proactive measures to ensure the next rolling plan performance is on par with the national percentage.
Economic analysts had dubbed 2023 as the year of transition for the national economy and 2024 as the year of implementation for all the policies planned, he said, adding that the economy is expected to stabilise despite the uncertain global market.
"The government remains committed to its economic efforts to attract high-impact investments through initiatives under the Madani Economy Framework, National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) and New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP).
"Among the sectors that will benefit from these strategies is the construction sector, as the government has allocated RM72.3bil for transportation, water and energy," Hajiji added.
