Record Allocation For Sabah under Budget 2020 tabled by Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng

SANDAKAN:  In his 2^nd Budget Speech at the Dewan Rakyat this afternoon as the Finance Minister of Malaysia, Lim Guan Eng announced a record allocation of 5.2 billion ringgit to the State Government of Sabah for the year 2020, the biggest thus far compared to all previous federal administrations. This also represents an increase of 200 million ringgit compared to the amount allocated for 2019.

In addition, for the first time since 1963, the PH Government also announced the revision of the Annual Special Grant to Sabah & Sarawak under the Section 112D of the Federal Constitution, in which the Grant to the Sabah State Government will be increased from the current 26.7 million ringgit to 53.4 million ringgit in 2020. This will further increase to 106.8 million ringgit in 5 years’ time.

“This is definitely great news for Sabah, as it demonstrated the commitment and sincerity of the PH Government to give priority to both East Malaysian States as per MA63”, commented Vivian Wong (pics), who attended her first Parliament Budget session since being elected in May earlier this year.

Vivian also further applauded the PH Government’s effort in providing various incentives to create employment opportunities for women and youth, while at the same time, reduce our reliance on foreign low-skill labour.

“As we get more Malaysians to actively participate in our labour market, be it our fresh graduates or housewives that have stopped work for more than a year or more, it will benefit the local economy tremendously”, said Vivian.

Other notable announcements include 470 million ringgit for rural water supply projects in Sabah and Sarawak, 326 million ringgit for rural road network, as well as government commitment to continue the Pan Borneo Highway Project throughout Sabah to bring maximum impact to the socioeconomic development to the State.

“It may not be able to satisfy everyone, but the PH Government is making all the important steps to fulfil our promises made to the people of Sabah. We will continue to do our best”, added Vivian.