KOTA KINABALU: The RM6.6bil allocated to Sabah under Budget 2024, which is an increase of RM100mil compared to the previous one, is part of Putrajaya’s efforts to fulfil the implementation of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), says Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
The Chief Minister said the increase in development allocation was a positive move by the Federal Government to reduce the development gap between the peninsula and East Malaysia.
“The state government welcomes this allocation and is determined to use it as encouragement when we table the Sabah Budget 2024 soon.
“The essence of the Madani Budget 2024 will be taken into account and streamlined with the core of the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development plan in the state budget,” he said in a statement yesterday.
Hajiji together with state Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun, followed the live telecast of Budget 2024 at Menara Kinabalu here.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim also announced that Sarawak would receive RM5.8bil in development allocations next year.
Hajiji said Budget 2024 prioritised the interests of the people.
The Budget, he said, reflected the unity government’s commitment towards reducing poverty and bridging the income gap in the country.
“Controlling the cost of living and increasing income, especially for low and middle-income groups, is the focus of this Budget.
“This is what I meant by ‘belanjawan merakyat’ (the people’s budget),” he said.
Hajiji added that the improved and progressive fiscal policy introduced through the Budget would have a major impact on Sabah’s efforts to develop the state’s economy and attract foreign investment.
“We see the policy introduced in Budget 2024 as very inclusive, taking into account the global economic situation,” he said.
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