KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor has welcomed the higher RM18.6bil federal allocation for Sabah under Budget 2027, describing the spending plan as comprehensive and beneficial to the people.
Sabah remains the biggest recipient of federal allocations, with RM18.6bil earmarked for next year, up from RM17.6bil this year.
Hajiji said the Budget would help ease the people’s financial burden while reflecting the strength of the country’s economy.
“I see this Budget as benefiting all Malaysians through tax reductions and incentives for civil servants, businesses and all segments of society.
“It demonstrates the strength of our country's economy and financial position despite the impact of the ongoing crisis in West Asia,” he said after watching the live broadcast of the Budget tabling at Menara Kinabalu here on Friday (Oct 9).
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is also Finance Minister, also announced RM3.3bil for road projects in Sabah and Sarawak under Budget 2027.
The government has also agreed to double the number of Public Service Department (JPA) scholarships offered to students from Sabah and Sarawak.
“This means 4,200 students from Sabah and Sarawak will have the opportunity to pursue higher education at universities each year,” Anwar said.
To strengthen Sabah's power supply system, he said the government had agreed to install Static Synchronous Compensator (STATCOM) systems at the Dam Road and Segaliud main intake substations at a cost of RM204mil.
“Meanwhile, the Southern Link Transmission Line project will proceed as a long-term measure to ensure the sustainability of electricity supply in Sabah,” he said.
