KOTA KINABALU: Sabah will table its Budget 2026 at the state assembly on Dec 12, says Deputy Chief Minister II Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun.
The Sabah Finance Minister, who clocked in for his second term on Wednesday (Dec 3), said their immediate priority was to prepare the budget for approval by the assembly.
"I only have around 10 days to prepare the state budget," he said.
However, he said ministry officers had already been preparing it before the Oct 6 dissolution of the state assembly.
"This makes the process a little easier, although the timeframe for making improvements is quite tight. God willing, we are ready to table the 2026 Budget on Dec 12," he said.
Masidi said the budget would focus on continuing state development although he anticipated it could be challenging – especially with global economic conditions and declining commodity prices, including for crude oil.
"During planning, we projected oil prices would be above US$70 per barrel, but international prices are around US$68. This, to some extent, will have an impact on budget preparations," he added.
However, he believed this would not significantly affect state development plans and the people's well-being.
"We have already initiated this momentum, with relatively large spending on infrastructure and the welfare of the people.
"There is a need to continue it so that the impact can be felt more strongly and, to some extent, improve the lives of those in the low-income group. That is our main focus for the budget," he said.
