KOTA KINABALU: A consumer group here has hailed the allocation for green initiatives under the Sabah Budget 2024 as a factor that will contribute to the people’s well-being in general.
Sabah West Coast Smart Consumers Association president David Chan praised the state’s aim to have continued development while considering the environmental effects on Sabah in the long run.
“Renewable energy initiatives such as hydro power to mitigate carbon emissions are the future for Sabah's people,” he said in a statement on Sunday (Nov 26).
In tabling the state budget on Friday (Nov 24), Sabah Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun said the government has allocated a total RM144.44mil to put sustainability goals in place.
He said the state aimed to achieve balance between developing various sectors and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Masidi said the green allocation for next year was for the implementation of various activities and initiatives aimed at achieving balanced development while factoring in sustainability elements.
Meanwhile, Chan said that the overall surplus RM5.701bil state budget next year was apt to reflect its theme of “Sabah Teguh, Rakyat Terbela” (Sabah firm, its people protected).
“What is important with the budget is that it shows continued positive growth in Sabah’s economy. This reflects that the state’s economy is resilient,” he said.
He added the state budget will also churn out more job opportunities for locals.
“We hope the budget will bring extraordinary recovery for the economy following the effects of Covid-19 which had devastated many small and medium businesses.
