KOTA KINABALU: Budget 2026 has been commended for honouring the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
According to Sabah caretaker Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, it meets the state’s demands, including increasing the interim special grant to RM600mil from RM300mil this year.
He described the Budget as progressive and prudent, noting that it did not overlook the interests of various communities, especially the less fortunate.
“I would like to extend my congratulations to the Prime Minister for presenting a progressive Budget.
“It focuses on the nation’s economic development and provides an allocation amounting to RM6.9bil for Sabah that we believe will greatly benefit the state,” said Hajiji.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that the RM6.9bil allocation for Sabah next year was the highest ever from the Federal Government among others.
Hajiji said this Budget is not merely about numbers.
“It is the result of Sabah’s political stability under Gabungan Rakyat Sabah and the Federal Government’s confidence in the state’s leadership,” he said.
In the Budget, Anwar proposed RM765mil for the construction of the Southern Link electricity line, which Hajiji said would benefit Sabahans.
Also included in the Budget were funds to repair infrastructure damaged after the recent natural disaster.
Hajiji thanked the Federal Government for its continuous support of the Pan Borneo Sabah project with RM1.67bil allocated next year.
Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian said the RM6bil development allocation for Sarawak was deserved in view of the state’s financial contributions to the nation over the last 50 years.
Meanwhile, an expert said the Sarawak-Sabah Link Road (SSLR) will provide a seamless road network connecting both states without requiring motorists to cross international borders.
Sahrein Maloh, a former civil servant involved with highway projects, said the SSLR will streamline movement for Malaysians and commercial traffic by eliminating the longstanding logistical complications of multiple international border crossings.
“It’s a monumental commitment to national integration, fostering greater connectivity and national cohesion across Borneo,” he said in response to the updates on the SSLR project in the Budget.
Anwar said Phase 1 of the SSLR project is expected to be completed by November next year.
He also said SSLR 2 is under construction and scheduled to be finished by mid-2029.
At present, road travel between certain parts of Sarawak and Sabah requires crossing the Malaysia-Brunei border.
“For the people of northern Sarawak, particularly those in the remote interior of the Miri, Limbang and Lawas divisions, the SSLR is truly transformative.
“By providing reliable connectivity, the government is delivering tangible development that aligns with the spirit of the Malaysia Agreement 1963,” Sahrein said.
