Latest news with #SabahStateGovernment
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Federal support key to expanding digital access across Sabah, says Hajiji
Hajiji (fourth right) receiving a souvenir from Gobind during a courtesy visit to his office at Menara Kinabalu on Thursday. KOTA KINABALU (June 19): The Sabah State Government remains committed to expanding digital access to all segments of society, including rural communities, and is confident that this effort will be accelerated with the support of the Federal Government. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor said digital transformation is one of the key components of the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development plan, aimed at stimulating technology-based economic growth and enhancing the efficiency of public service delivery. He said this during a courtesy visit by the Minister of Digital, Gobind Singh Deo, at his office in Menara Kinabalu on Thursday. Hajiji said the state welcomes stronger cooperation with Putrajaya in supporting Sabah's digital agenda and expressed his appreciation for Gobind's ongoing commitment to help bridge the digital divide in the state. The visit formed part of Gobind's official working trip to Sabah, which also included his attendance at the Sabah-level meeting of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and Digital Economy Council (MED4IR). Present at the meeting were State Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Datuk Dr Mohd Arifin Datuk Mohd Arif; State Secretary Datuk Seri Panglima Sr Safar Untong; Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation Sabah, Datuk Mohd Hanafiah Mohd Kassim and senior officials from the Ministry of Digital Malaysia.
Daily Express
7 days ago
- Business
- Daily Express
Sabah is at turning point in achieving good governance: Investors finally having confidence in Sabah
Published on: Sunday, June 15, 2025 Published on: Sun, Jun 15, 2025 By: Datuk Roger Chin Text Size: Sabah is beginning to show signs of a state turning a corner. Where past governments have often lacked follow-through or institutional clarity, the current Sabah State Government is quietly but steadily laying the foundations of a more self-reliant, results-driven administration. Across sectors — energy, education, investment, and institutional reform — a more confident Sabah is emerging. Advertisement Building Institutional Muscle - Power, Regulation, and Autonomy The establishment of the Energy Commission of Sabah (ECoS) is more than a bureaucratic development — it marks a turning point in how Sabah governs its most strategic resource. With Sabah Energy Corporation (SEC) now actively managing gas distribution, and with Petronas recognising Sabah's growing autonomy over its own energy landscape, the state is strengthening both regulatory and commercial control over its resources. The approval of 1,000 MW in new power generation capacity under ECoS — including 200 MW of solar and 100 MW of battery storage in Lahad Datu — nearly doubles Sabah's current installed capacity of 1,200 MW. This proactive approach to energy security demonstrates administrative focus in preparing for growing industrial and domestic demand. Taking back 50pc equity in the producing Semarang Oil Field under SMJ Energy was once unimaginable. Today, Sabah holds a historic 50pc stake in an operating oil asset, with further back-in rights on other fields — a significant marker of progress in asserting energy sovereignty. This shift aligns with the broader spirit of Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) implementation — returning rights and agency to Sabah without fanfare, but with focus. Institutional Reform That Inspires Investor Confidence Sabah is no longer just talking about attracting investment — it is doing the hard work of institutional preparedness. The creation of the Borneo International Centre for Arbitration and Mediation (BICAM) is a notable move, signalling that Sabah is serious about dispute resolution infrastructure and legal professionalism. These are the quiet building blocks of an investor-friendly ecosystem. The state's ability to secure long-term, high-impact investments — such as E-Steel's manufacturing facility and other FDI-led industrial projects — reflects this shift. These are not fly-by-night deals but strategic entries into Sabah's industrial and logistics backbone, particularly in energy-adjacent and halal sectors. The government's target of developing 400,000 hectares of industrial tree plantations is also notable, laying the groundwork for a sustainable, regulated timber industry that can support long-term economic and ecological objectives. Fiscal Responsibility and Strategic Spending Under current leadership, Sabah has also improved its fiscal standing. State revenue has seen stable growth, with increased allocations to development budgets. A record-setting education fund through Yayasan Sabah signals not just an investment in human capital, but a turnaround in financial governance. Where once Yayasan Sabah was associated with mismanagement, today it is stabilising its accounts and focusing on outcomes: scholarships, rural education access, and TVET capacity. State reserves have grown from RM2.93 billion in 2020 to RM8.6 billion today — a clear indicator of improved financial governance and expanding revenue streams. This reflects not just fiscal prudence, but also stronger performance from some state-linked companies. For instance, Innoprise Corporation declared RM500 million in dividends over the past four years (since 2021), after previously declaring none. This speaks to stronger GLC performance and improved governance. There's also a sharper focus on aligning spending with long-term returns — whether in roads, ports, industrial parks, or digital infrastructure. Lifting the Rural Heartland Beyond Kota Kinabalu, the state has expanded rural electrification, water access, and road upgrades — critical interventions for a state where over 40pc of the population lives outside urban centres. Programmes aimed at uplifting native and rural entrepreneurs — including agro-based industry support and SME grants — reflect a more inclusive vision of economic participation. The government is also gradually tackling longstanding issues in land recognition and native customary rights, though much remains to be done. A Grounded but Forward-Looking Approach There is no claim here of a perfect government. Bureaucratic delays, inequality, and capacity constraints persist. But the approach has shifted. Instead of headline-chasing, the Sabah State Government has chosen institutional depth and economic realism — a style of leadership that may not always grab national attention but is increasingly delivering results on the ground. From Capacity to Delivery Sabah's next challenge is ensuring delivery keeps pace with ambition. Institutions are being rebuilt, but administrative culture and political stability must continue evolving. The state must also take greater ownership of climate resilience, digital transformation, and youth employment — all of which will define its trajectory over the next decade. Still, for a state so long defined by unrealised potential, the signs today are encouraging. Sabah is not just asking for more from the Federation — it is preparing to do more for itself. The views expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of the Daily Express. If you have something to share, write to us at: [email protected]
Borneo Post
13-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
GRS hails award, opposition dismisses it as 'false praise'
Aksyah KOTA KINABALU (June 13): The 2024 ASEAN IBR Award recognition received by the Sabah State Government has received mixed reactions from political leaders in the state. Former Sabah Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) deputy liaison chief Aksyah Nasrah has described the recognition bestowed upon the Sabah State Government as a major achievement and clear proof of the success of the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) administration. Aksyah said Sabah's recent announcement as the 'Most Outstanding State Government 2024' by the International Business Review ASEAN Award Secretariat is not only a source of pride but also a strong rebuttal to the persistent negative narrative peddled by the opposition. 'This award proves that claims labelling the GRS-PH Plus government as a 'failed administration' are completely unfounded. 'Instead, it was a team of external professionals that recognised the Sabah Government's current administration as excellent and well-managed,' he said in a statement today. Aksyah emphasised that under the leadership of the Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor, GRS has successfully implemented a wide range of development projects and programmes – both physical and non-physical – which the people are now beginning to enjoy. Now aligned with and supportive of GRS, he also commended Hajiji's administrative approach, describing it as meticulous, systematic and forward-thinking. 'This success was achieved through a structured and well-planned implementation mechanism. Even problematic inherited projects have been resolved – albeit gradually – but nonetheless successfully,' he added. He said GRS has not only managed to carry out development efforts, but has also recorded consistent annual growth in state revenue, thanks to sound economic and financial policies that inspire investor confidence. 'I believe that the achievements of the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) initiative did not happen by chance. They are the result of stable leadership, consistent policies and a focused administration,' he stated. Commenting on the opposition's response to the recognition, Aksyah said they are likely to continue denying and casting doubt among the people. 'They will persist in generating negative perceptions because they cannot accept that GRS has succeeded. However, the people must be wise in their judgement – stability and policy continuity are key to a more prosperous future for Sabah,' he said. Aksyah also extended his congratulations to Hajiji and the entire state government team on the prestigious recognition, while urging the public to continue supporting the current leadership for the progress of the state. Suhaimi Libaran Member of Parliament Datuk Suhaimi Nasir opines that the award is a recognition that not only raises questions but also reflects a deliberate effort to paint a beautiful picture that does not mirror the real conditions faced by the people. 'It must be made absolutely clear that IBR Asia Group is not an independent audit body, not a governance monitoring agency, nor is it a certified institution for assessing government performance. It is a private company offering marketing services, image storytelling, and event management — not credible public policy evaluation. Their expertise lies in crafting perceptions, not uncovering truths. Therefore, the most fundamental question must be asked: on what basis has Sabah been labelled 'most outstanding'?' asked Suhaimi. He claimed that in reality, Sabah still holds the record as the poorest state in Malaysia. 'Its people struggle daily to access clean water. Electricity supply is frequently disrupted, making life difficult and hampering economic activities. Rural infrastructure is so run-down that getting to schools and clinics remains a daily challenge. Public hospitals are understaffed, and many schools are still in poor condition, unsuitable for learning. At the same time, unemployment in Sabah — especially among youth — remains high, prompting mass migration to Peninsular Malaysia,' he said in a statement today. He also said that amidst all these hardships, the GRS leadership has not been free from scandal. 'Malaysians — and indeed the international community — have witnessed several key state government leaders being investigated by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC). In fact, the Chief Commissioner of MACC himself confirmed that investigations have reached the prosecution stage. These are no longer baseless allegations, but a legal process that is underway. If this is regarded as a symbol of integrity and capable leadership, then clearly the definition of integrity has been distorted. 'A larger question now arises and must be answered urgently by the state government. How much public money has been spent to purchase this beautiful narrative? Who paid for the promotional videos, the lavish award ceremony, the flights, accommodation, and the so-called trophy representing excellence? Was all of this funded with government money? Who approved the spending, and on what justification?' he alleged. He reminded that the people of Sabah are not foolish. 'They will not be easily deceived by extravagant displays adorned with false praises. The people do not want sugar-coated words while they continue to live in suffering. Sabah does not need expensive and insincere self-praise campaigns. What Sabah needs is tangible action and bold decisions to address the fundamental issues that plague this state,' said Suhaimi. He also said that the GRS government may continue to build its image on the gala stage, but the people remain in a reality filled with pain and injustice. 'This award will not solve poverty, will not improve hospitals, will not pave roads, and will not restore trust that has been lost due to corruption and weak leadership. 'Sabah does not become outstanding simply because of a trophy on a stage. Sabah will only truly be outstanding when its leaders put the people first, rather than crafting false narratives to salvage their fading image,' he said.
Borneo Post
12-06-2025
- Health
- Borneo Post
100 new hemodialysis machines to boost kidney care in Sabah
James (front row, third from left) handing over the dialysis machines to Dr Dzulkefly. KOTA KINABALU (June 12): The Sabah State Government, through the Ministry of Community Development and People's Wellbeing (KPMKR), has supplied 100 additional hemodialysis machines to be distributed across various hospitals and clinics in the state. This initiative is part of the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Sabah Sejahtera Health Assistance Scheme, said KPMKR Minister Datuk James Ratib during a handing-over ceremony held at Queen Elizabeth Hospital II today. Federal Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad was present to receive the machines. In a statement, James revealed that the total allocation for the SMJ Sabah Sejahtera Health Assistance Scheme amounts to RM8.5 million — comprising RM4 million for treatment costs and RM4.5 million for the purchase of the machines. 'The contribution of these machines is part of KPMKR's effort to ease the burden on end-stage renal failure (ESRF) patients in Sabah, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds,' he said. He noted that the number of ESRF patients receiving treatment in government facilities has increased from 1,831 in 2020 to 2,133 in 2024. 'In light of the rising number of patients, the Sabah State Government remains committed to improving the quality and accessibility of hemodialysis services across the state,' he added. Currently, Sabah has 474 hemodialysis machines, but only 435 are functional, while 39 are out of service. To further support patients, the state government has waived the RM13 treatment fee and provides a RM100 subsidy to patients who opt for Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD) at home. Hemodialysis machines are essential in treating kidney failure. With the growing number of patients, it is critical for health facilities to be equipped with enough reliable machines. This initiative aims to replace ageing or malfunctioning units and ensure compliance with current medical standards. The new machines, featuring advanced filtration systems, touchscreens, digital monitoring, energy efficiency and user-friendly designs, come with a minimum one-year warranty and maintenance services. The 25 government facilities receiving the machines include Queen Elizabeth Hospitals I and II in Kota Kinabalu, the Women and Children Hospital, Tuaran, Papar, Ranau, Kota Belud, Tawau, Semporna, Kunak, Lahad Datu and Sandakan hospitals. Dr Dzulkefly thanked the Sabah Government for the contribution, noting the increasing urgency for dialysis equipment. He also acknowledged that the state has made hemodialysis treatment nearly free, including for CAPD, further easing the financial burden on patients. Also present was Sabah Health Department director Dr Maria Suleiman.
Daily Express
12-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
66 licensed Sipitang roadside traders receive RM5,000
Published on: Thursday, June 12, 2025 Published on: Thu, Jun 12, 2025 Text Size: Dr Yusof presented mock cheques, symbolising the one-off state government aid to licensed roadside traders in Sipitang. SIPITANG: A total of 66 licensed roadside stall operators in Sipitang received a one-off RM5,000 assistance from the Sabah State Government today. The aid, part of the Sabah Budget 2025, was handed over by Qhazanah Sabah Berhad Chairman and Sindumin assemblyman Datuk Dr Yusof Yacob during a ceremony at the town's multipurporse hall. Advertisement Dr Yusof said the initiative aims to support small traders who are vital to the local economy. He emphasized that the assistance reflects the GRS-PH Plus state government's ongoing efforts to ease the burden of the rakyat. 'This is among several programs implemented to care for the welfare of the people, including SUKUR (Sentuhan Kasih Rakyat), the Sabah People's Insurance Scheme, and Rumah Mesra Sabah Maju Jaya,' he said. He added that the initiatives benefit all Sabahans, whether in urban or rural areas, countering opposition claims that the government has failed to deliver on welfare promises. Also present were Sipitang MP Datuk Matbali Musah, Assistant District Officer Jeefri Yusof, and Sipitang District Council Executive Officer Hamsad Abdul Wahid. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
