Sabah Budget: RM164mil allocated for educational and religious development programmes

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah has allocated RM164.12mil for the implementation of educational and religious development programmes in this year’s state Budget.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said of this amount, RM47mil had been allocated for non-Muslim religious bodies as well as vernacular, mission and independent schools, the largest amount ever.

Sabah allocated RM43mil for the same purpose last year.

He said the funds would be channelled to relevant government agencies as well as religious and educational bodies, as part of the state government’s efforts to enhance the quality of human capital and ensure the people’s well-being.

“In line with the Malaysian Family spirit, the allocation benefits all religions and races in the state,” he said on Thursday (Jan 13).

He was speaking at the presentation ceremony of financial assistance to vernacular and mission schools, churches and temples for the year 2021 and handing over of lion dance costumes in conjunction with Chinese New Year.

State Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun also spoke at the event, held at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) here.

Earlier, Hajiji said the RM47mil for non-Muslim religious bodies as well as vernacular, mission and independent schools reflected the government’s sincerity in caring for the welfare of all races and religions in Sabah.

He said the state government realised the importance of educational institutions and religious bodies to produce a knowledgeable populace, as well as inculcating noble virtues and positive values in those who are able to drive development in Sabah.

Hajiji said in the same period last year, the state government also approved a total of RM24.99mil for the construction and repair of non-Muslim houses of worship in the state.

In conjunction with the coming Chinese New Year, an allocation of RM1mil had been set aside for the distribution of lion dance costumes to associations and lion dance troupes in Sabah.

“The presentation of financial assistance and lion heads clearly demonstrates Gabungan Rakyat Sabah’s (GRS) commitment to implement a fair and equitable policy in all aspects,” he said.