Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim reveals RM15 billion federal allocation for Sabah’s development, covering education, health, infrastructure and poverty eradication programmes.
KOTA KINABALU: The MADANI government has allocated substantial funding to Sabah for various development and welfare programmes, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced today.
In a Facebook post, Anwar detailed that Sabah received RM5.87 billion for education, RM2.49 billion for health, and RM3.69 billion for infrastructure this year alone.
Employment and economic opportunities received RM162.77 million in federal funding.
“The MADANI Government has channelled the largest allocation for Sabah to help ease the cost of living, address the electricity and water supply issues, build hospitals, upgrade dilapidated clinics and eradicate hardcore poverty,” he said.
Anwar highlighted various cost of living initiatives including the BUDI95 programme, special diesel subsidies, and Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah benefits reaching over 842,000 Sabah recipients.
The Social Welfare Department provided assistance to over 68,000 Sabahans with an allocation of RM317.92 million.
On electricity, Anwar confirmed federal support continues despite Sabah’s regained regulatory authority, including RM1.2 billion for supply continuity and RM190 million for rural electricity projects.
The RM1 billion water supply project is expected to complete next year, covering new pipes in Tawau and upgrades in Kota Kinabalu, Penampang and Putatan.
Total water project allocation from 2023 to 2026 reached RM1.33 billion.
Health infrastructure developments include the ongoing RM125 million Sabah heart centre and 70% progress on upgrading 48 dilapidated clinics under an RM800 million Budget 2025 allocation.
Sabah received the most benefits from dilapidated school renovations, with 230 projects fully completed.
Hardcore poverty eradication showed remarkable progress, dropping from 23,651 household heads in February 2024 to just four in October.
Anwar attributed this success to focused programmes like Sejati MADANI, targeted assistance and village-level interventions.
“Choose a future that brings a ray of HARAPAN (hope) and one that truly works for the people of Sabah,” he urged voters.
