KUALA LUMPUR: Former Sabah chief minister Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal (Semporna-Warisan) claims that Sabah has not received sufficient attention in Budget 2024.
He said that the government should be balanced in developing both urban and rural areas in Sabah.
"I hope the (RM393.8bil) allocation will be channelled to sectors that truly need it. For example, what was announced was for primary and secondary schools, but most of it is for the Peninsular. Where is Sabah?" questioned Shafee.
"Even schools are still built with wood – go find them in Kota Belud, which is close to Kota Kinabalu," he said when debating the Budget Supply Bill 2024 in the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday (Oct 17).
Shafie said of the 10 poorest districts in the country, eight are in Sabah, namely Kudat, Pitas, Kota Belud, Kota Marudu, Beluran, Telupid, Tongod and Nabawan.
He added that the government should pay attention when channelling funds to ensure basic necessities are provided in the state.
"If we want to build schools, channel the funds properly for basic needs as well and not just on toilets. We can give computers and tablets but there is no Internet or electricity," he said.
The allocation given should be used to ensure there is electricity supply and Internet access for schools in rural areas," added Shafee.
