KOTA KINABALU: Healthcare allocations and initiatives in Sabah will be among the priorities for implementation following the Budget 2027 announcement, says Datuk Julita Majungki.
The Sabah Women, Health and People’s Wellbeing Minister said with the increase in the Health Ministry’s allocation to RM47.7bil, from RM46.5bil previously, her priority now was to ensure that funds and initiatives for Sabah will be utilised effectively.
“We must make sure all these are directed towards local needs and translated into tangible improvements for the people,” she said in welcoming the announcement.
Julita said Budget 2027 provides opportunities to strengthen healthcare services, expand support for women and families, and improve assistance for vulnerable communities in Sabah, reflecting continued importance of investing in the overall healthcare systems.
She said measures to strengthen the healthcare workforce, including more than 9,000 permanent positions for contract doctors in 2027 and an increase in the Post-Basic Incentive Allowance (BIPB) for nurses and paramedics, could help improve workforce stability.
“A strong healthcare workforce is essential to ensuring continuity of care and quality services. In Sabah, we must continue to prioritise access to healthcare professionals, particularly for communities in rural and remote areas,” she said.
Julita highlighted the RM200mil allocation for outsourced patient treatment, RM1.2bil for maintaining and repairing public healthcare facilities, and 400 new ambulances for MoH, saying these measures could support better access to treatment and emergency services.
“Given Sabah’s geographical circumstances, improving healthcare access requires attention to facilities, medical equipment, emergency response and specialist services, so that people living far from major hospitals can receive timely treatment,” she said.
On healthcare affordability, she welcomed the increase in the Medical Assistance Fund to RM60mil, from RM40mil, as well as continued support through initiatives such as PeKa B40 and expanded preventive health measures.
Beyond healthcare, Julita said Budget 2027 provided support for vulnerable groups, including RM1.5bil in assistance for persons with disabilities and RM1.3bil for senior citizens.
“Assistance must go hand in hand with access to appropriate care, rehabilitation and community support. Supporting caregivers is equally important, as families often play a central role in caring for persons with disabilities, senior citizens and those requiring long term assistance,” she said.
She also noted that initiatives supporting women’s economic participation, business financing and childcare services could help women build sustainable livelihoods while balancing family responsibilities.
“We want women and families in Sabah to benefit from these opportunities, particularly those in rural communities. My priority is to ensure that relevant programmes reach their intended recipients and contribute to stronger livelihoods and better wellbeing for Sabahans,” said Julita.
She said the ministry would continue to assess community needs and support the effective implementation of relevant programmes, with particular attention to rural communities, women, families, senior citizens and persons with disabilities.
