KOTA KINABALU: Sabah ranks among the top five states in the country in terms of development projects and programmes completion, says Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
He said based on the MyProjek report, a total of 1,271 projects, comprising 396 continuity projects and 876 new ones, are being implemented this year in Sabah.
“Of the figure, 1,171 projects or RM5.584bil are physical projects while another 100 or RM355.24mil are non-physical ventures,” he said, urging everyone to step up to ensure Sabah achieved the best in terms of projects or programmes implementation in Malaysia.
Saying this when chairing the State Development Action Council (MTPNg) meeting at Menara Kinabalu here Thursday (July 24), Hajiji stressed that the achievement should not be an
excuse to become complacent in monitoring government programmes or projects.
“Instead, it should serve as an indicator for us to work harder to improve and complete every programme and project more swiftly, accurately, and in an orderly manner, ultimately bringing benefits to all the people,” he said.
He said the implementation of programmes and projects should not solely fall on the shoulders of one agency, rather all agencies and ministries should play a significant role in ensuring their success.
Hajiji said the state government has also made efforts to strengthen the state’s financial governance by enhancing financial management procedures and guidelines.
He said this is carried out through the evaluation and consideration of procurement procedures with the appointment of concessions as a mechanism to address development issues in Sabah.
He said each agency or ministry must frequently monitor the disbursement of allocated funds so that they are fully utilised and benefit the people while payments to contractors and consultants must be made promptly and accurately for smooth and timely implementation of projects.
The Chief Minister also reminded the council to ensure all pressing development needs are addressed swiftly.
Hajiji said the state government is relentless in carrying out initiatives under the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya Development Plan to implement income enhancement and productivity improvement programmes to address the poor and hardcore poor issues, which is dynamic.
“Through these initiatives, we are not only helping to increase income but also strive to assist targeted groups to get out of poverty,” he said.
He said that the continuous provision of needs and facilities to the people, through the upgrading of public amenities, basic facilities, social infrastructure, and social service
assistance, has provided multiple benefits to the poor in Sabah.
In addition, Hajiji stated that the Human Capital and People’s Well-Being thrust in the Hala Tuju SMJ development plan also focuses on developing the potential of the people through education, training, and social well-being.
“This includes initiatives to improve living standards, provide educational opportunities, and comprehensively empower human capital, while also educating the society to be more aware and inclined to participate in or contribute to the implementation of programmes that benefit target groups such as the poor and hardcore poor,” he added.
