KOTA KINABALU: Special attention must be given to projects with substantial unspent allocations or facing implementation constraints that could lead to delays or cause them to become sick projects, says Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
The Sabah Chief MInister said issues related to technical approvals, land acquisition, utility relocation, procurement and contract management must be identified and proactively addressed through effective coordination among the relevant agencies.
"For issues involving multiple ministries and agencies, clear solutions and timelines must be established and monitored until they are resolved," he said when chairing the State Development Action Council (MTPNg) meeting here on Wednesday (Oct 28).
Hajiji said that as of this month, federal development expenditure performance in Sabah hasincreased to 71.78% compared with 52.07% as of Aug 10 this year.
At the same time, a total of 291 development projects have been completed in Sabah this year, including SM Sains Sabah in Kota Kinabalu and SK Buit Hill in Penampang, he added.
"This shows that we are capable of successfully implementing development projects, and this positive performance should be sustained," he said.
He urged ministries, departments and implementing agencies to intensify efforts to optimise the remaining development funds before the end of the 2026 financial year.
"Every development allocation is a responsibility entrusted to us and must be translated into tangible benefits for the people," he said, adding that approved allocations should result in tangible facilities and improvements for the people of Sabah.
He also welcomed the RM18.7bil allocation for Sabah under the federal Budget 2027 tabled on Oct 9, an increase from RM17.6bil.
He said the increase reflected the Federal Government's continued commitment to addressing Sabah's development needs, particularly by strengthening basic infrastructure and improving people's well-being.
