logo
RM1.187 bln Supplementary Supply Bill passed

RM1.187 bln Supplementary Supply Bill passed

Borneo Post13 hours ago
KOTA KINABALU (July 7): Sabah Finance Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun today tabled the Supplementary Supply Bill 2025, which seeks an additional provision amounting to RM1,186,923,403.00 for 53 expenditure heads.
He explained that all the additional estimates in the Supplementary Supply Estimates Statement were crucial to ensure the smooth operation of the State Government's administration until the end of 2025.
Masidi added that the additional allocation for the year 2025 is required to finance six categories of expenditure, namely, the first category: Contributions to Statutory Funds, proposed at RM600 million or 51 per cent; second category: Administrative Expenditure, proposed at RM204 million or 17 per cent; third category: Operational Expenditure, proposed at RM195 million or 16 per cent; fourth category: Domestic Grants, proposed at RM84 million or 7 per cent; fifth category: Investment Expenditure, amounting to RM54.4 million or 5 per cent; and sixth category: Special Allocations totalling RM50.7 million or 4 per cent.
He proposed that a total of RM789.1 million be allocated under the purview of the Finance Ministry, comprising RM600 million for Contributions to Statutory Funds, RM185.5 million for Treasury General Services expenditure, and RM3.6 million for the operating expenses of the Finance Ministry.
Masidi also said that the proposed amount for Contributions to Statutory Funds, RM250 million or 41.7 per cent is intended as an addition to the Development Fund to reduce the deficit in the Development Account, which does not involve cash flow.
At the same time, RM150 million or 25 per cent is a contribution to the Statutory Trust Fund for Road Maintenance to implement road maintenance projects across Sabah, he said.
In addition, RM200 million or 33.3 per cent is proposed for the Special State Government Trust Fund to implement the People's Caring Touch Programme (SYUKUR); student assistance schemes such as the Higher Education Entry Cash Aid (BUDI), Sabah Tertiary Education Student Contribution (SENTOSA), Sabah Student Flight Subsidy (SUBFLY) and Sabah School Activities Contribution (SUKSES), as well as construction and repair of infrastructure such as water, roads and utilities, he added.
Masidi also said that a total of RM185.5 million is also proposed under Treasury General Services, comprising RM54.4 million for Equity Investments; RM89.1 million for infrastructure projects, including upgrades to water treatment plants, new water pipe installations, minor infrastructure and other public facilities; and RM30 million in Domestic Grants allocated to Kota Kinabalu City Hall for waste cleaning in Kota Kinabalu waters including island areas, and contributions to non-governmental organisations.
The remaining RM12 million is proposed for other public facility projects, including mosque upgrades and the construction of the Tawau International Cultural Centre, he said.
Meanwhile, RM147.6 million is proposed for the Works Ministry and its departments to fund maintenance and repair of drainage systems, plant buildings and water pump houses, disaster recovery works, building maintenance, electrical wiring works, enforcement activities, and other administrative and operational expenses.
He said that a sum of RM94.4 million is proposed for the Chief Minister's Department and its agencies to fund State Government scholarship sponsorships; maintenance and operation of mosques and suraus, Raudah parks, and other administrative and operational expenses.
Meanwhile, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Ministry and its departments are proposed an additional allocation of RM55.7 million for the maintenance of drainage systems, river cleaning, flood mitigation, and other administrative and operational expenses, he said.
As for the Local Government and Housing Ministry and its departments are proposed an additional RM25.9 million, among others, to settle Advance Accounts for Special Financial Aid to Community Chiefs, Grant-In-Aid, Replacement Rate Contributions and Maintenance to Local Authorities, as well as other administrative and operational expenses, he said.
As for the Community Development and People's Wellbeing Ministry and its department, an additional RM16.2 million is proposed, he said.
Out of this, RM4.5 million is to support the implementation of the State Government's initiative to provide 100 haemodialysis machines to selected healthcare facilities across Sabah, he said.
'This is a caring effort to help kidney patients receive free treatment near their homes. Another RM11.1 million is to provide aid to victims of fires and floods, support for senior citizens, orphans and the poor, as well as the operation of Disabled Children's Educational Parks. The remaining allocation is proposed for other administrative and operational expenses of the ministry's departments and agencies,' he said.
As for other ministries and state departments, an additional RM58 million is proposed to cover, among others, allowances for chairpersons of Village Development and Security Committees (JKKK), amounting to RM15.6 million; the organisation of the 11th SAGA Games in Tawau, amounting to RM8 million; and the remaining RM34.3 million for various administrative, operational and other service-related expenses, said Masidi.
As for the additional development estimates 2025, Masidi informed the August House that the Supplementary Statement to the 2025 Development Estimates under Command Paper CMD.2 of 2025 requires an additional provision amounting to RM416,541,291.00, involving 83 expenditure heads under 10 ministries.
'Of this amount, RM224.5 million or 53.9 per cent is proposed under the State Fund, while RM188.5 million or 45.3 per cent will be financed via Federal loans. The remaining RM3.5 million or 0.8 per cent is financing under Federal Reimbursement,' he said.
He also informed that the largest allocation under the Supplementary Development Estimates totalling RM254.9 million or 61.2 per cent is proposed for the Sabah Works Ministry to fund projects under the Public Works Department, State Water Department, Sabah Sewerage Services Department and Sabah State Railway Department.
'These include road projects for towns and small municipalities, the Special Water Supply Programme, Sewerage Schemes under local authorities, and railway track repairs. Of this total, RM187.5 million is for projects under Federal loans,' he said.
He also mentioned that the second largest allocation totalling RM82.5 million is proposed for the Rural Development Ministry to fund Minor Rural Projects, Rural Poverty Eradication Projects, the Sabah People's Prosperity Housing Programme (RSRS), the Alternative Rural Electricity Supply Programme (BELBA – Solar Street Lighting and Generator Sets), and the Alternative Rural Water Supply Programme (BALBA – Clean Water Supply via Gravity Feed and Tube Wells).
An allocation of RM38.5 million is also proposed for the Chief Minister's Department to fund Special Development Projects, Native Customary Rights (NCR) Land Measurement and the Sabah Satellite Positioning Reference Network under the Lands and Surveys Department, as well as upgrades to the Solid Waste Disposal System in Kota Kinabalu, construction of new mosques and religious schools under the Sabah Islamic Affairs Department, he said.
Aside from that, an additional RM1 million is allocated to the Sabah Land Development Board to cover Federal loan financing, he said.
Also proposed is an allocation of RM17.4 million proposed for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Ministry, he said.
'Of this, RM13.9 million is proposed under the State Fund for projects under the Fisheries Department and the Irrigation and Drainage Department. The remaining RM3.5 million is under Federal Reimbursement to finance the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory Construction Project in Kinarut under the Veterinary Services and Livestock Industry Department,' Masidi said.
An allocation of RM7.7 million is proposed for the Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Ministry.
'Of this, RM5.7 million is for Site Preparation Projects for Local Vendor Facilities in Salut and Infrastructure Construction in Industrial Zone 7 (IZ7) Phase 3. The remaining RM2 million is for infrastructure development projects in the Sipitang Oil and Gas Industrial Park (SOGIP), including the Extension of Electricity Supply for Street Lighting in Phases 1 and 2,' he said.
Additionally, the Youth and Sports Ministry Sabah is proposed RM4.84 million to fund the construction and maintenance of Sabah Sports Complexes, he said.
The Ministry of Community Development and People's Wellbeing is proposed RM4.6 million. Projects include the construction of buildings for disabled children education parks, integrated complexes for persons with disabilities and the elderly, and old folks' homes, said Masidi.
'An additional RM2.9 million is proposed for the Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry to finance the development of Sabah Parks, Tourism Asset Development and upgrades to heritage site facilities under the Sabah Museum Department,' he said.
Finally, an allocation of RM2.3 million is proposed for the Local Government and Housing Ministry for landscaping projects and construction of office buildings for local authorities, and for the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation for the final payment of the E-Desa Kg Pelakat, Sipitang Project, said Masidi.
'For the information of this August House, the additional provision proposed this year is largely for expenditure to address two key issues – water supply and roads. Of the total Supplementary Estimates proposed in this presentation, RM523.5 million is intended for this purpose. This demonstrates the commitment and seriousness of the State Government in resolving issues constantly raised by the public and politicised by parties with vested interests. (The actual requirement to address water and road issues exceeds RM2 billion annually),' said Masidi.
The Bill was passed unanimously after debates.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Matunggong as full district being considered: Chief Minister
Matunggong as full district being considered: Chief Minister

Daily Express

timean hour ago

  • Daily Express

Matunggong as full district being considered: Chief Minister

Published on: Tuesday, July 08, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jul 08, 2025 By: Patimang Abdul Ghani Text Size: Hajiji launching the festival. KOTA MARUDU: The State Government remains committed to preserving Sabah's rich ethnic cultural treasures, which encompass unique and valuable artistic heritage and traditional customs. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said efforts to preserve the diverse ethnic cultures are important for maintaining the State's identity and ensuring it can be passed down to future generations. Speaking at the official launch of the Sabah Rungus Cultural Festival 2025 at the Sabah Rungus Cultural Centre on Jalan Teringai, Sunday, Hajiji said the State Government will continue supporting ethnic organisations in their efforts to preserve their respective customs, arts and cultures. 'Culture is not just a historical treasure, but also a development asset that must be defended,' he said. He noted that ethnic culture and heritage, such as that of the Rungus community, represents more than traditional values, it serves as an important asset for unity and tourism attraction while instilling a sense of identity and pride among younger generations. Hajiji also said the State Government will consider proposals to upgrade the Matunggong Sub-District to full district status, subject to feasibility studies conducted by relevant authorities. 'The government hears the aspirations of Matunggong residents and will look into infrastructure needs and readiness before any decision is finalised,' he said. He also called on the people to continue providing solid support to the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS)-led State Government in the upcoming state elections, pointing out numerous efforts undertaken by the GRS government for the welfare of the people and State development. 'We have a clear development plan with the Sabah Maju Jaya direction that focuses on comprehensive development and defending the people's interests,' he said. He said political stability and continued public support are essential to ensure all government policies, programs and initiatives can proceed without disruption for the State's progress and the welfare of all community segments. 'Do not let us move backward. Continue with the GRS government that has proven its commitment and ability to defend the people and develop the State inclusively,' he said. Additionally, he praised the Pertubuhan Rungus Bersatu Sabah for consistently organising the Rungus Cultural Festival as a platform to introduce and promote Rungus ethnic culture. * 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

Sabah's 40pc grant: August 7 for e-review
Sabah's 40pc grant: August 7 for e-review

Daily Express

timean hour ago

  • Daily Express

Sabah's 40pc grant: August 7 for e-review

Published on: Tuesday, July 08, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jul 08, 2025 By: Jo Ann Mool Text Size: The SLS is seeking a declaration, among others, that the Federal Government's failure to hold a second review in 1974 with the State Government was a breach and contravention of its constitutional duty stipulated under Article 112D, Clauses (1), (3) and (4) of the Federal Constitution. Kota Kinabalu: The High Court hearing the Sabah Law Society's (SLS) judicial review over Sabah's 40 per cent special grant has fixed August 7 for an e-review of the matter. Judge Datuk Celestina Stuel Galid set the date on Monday after hearing oral arguments by the parties on the substantive merits of the judicial review. In setting the date, Judge Celestina said that, as indicated during case management, the court normally delivers its decision within four weeks after the final submission, but the present matter would be an exception as more time was needed to consider the submissions. She fixed an e-review date in the fourth week for the court to issue further directions or set a date for the decision. The SLS filed a judicial review leave application on June 8, 2022, after the Federal Government announced on April 14, 2022 that an agreement had been reached with the Sabah Government, and named the Federal and State governments as the first and second respondents. On Nov 11, 2022, the High Court granted SLS leave to proceed with the judicial review, while the Attorney General's Chambers (AGC), acting for the Federal Government, later secured a stay order to halt the High Court from hearing the merits of the case, pending appeal. On June 18, 2024, the Court of Appeal dismissed the Federal Government's appeal against the leave granted to SLS and directed the High Court to fix a date for the full hearing. The Federal Government then applied for leave to appeal the ruling to the Federal Court, but in Oct 17, 2024, the Federal Court dismissed the application. The SLS is seeking a declaration, among others, that the Federal Government's failure to hold a second review in 1974 with the State Government was a breach and contravention of its constitutional duty stipulated under Article 112D, Clauses (1), (3) and (4) of the Federal Constitution. It said the 40 per cent entitlement remained due and payable by the Federal Government to the State Government for each consecutive financial year for the period of 1974 to 2021, in which a failure to pay the entitlement was a breach of the fundamental right to property of the Sabah Government and ultimately, of the people of Sabah as enshrined under Article 13 of the Federal Constitution. SLS also sought an order of mandamus directed to the respondent to hold another review with the State Government under the provisions of Article 112D of the Federal Constitution, to give effect to the payment of the 40 per cent entitlement for each consecutive financial year from 1974 to 2021 within 30 days, and to reach a decision within 90 days from the date of the order, and that the respondent pays the entitlement to the State Government or as constitutional damages for breach of Article 13 of the Federal Constitution, or both. Counsel Dr David Fung, Jeyan Marimuttu, Janice Lim, and Grace Liew represented SLS; Senior Federal Counsel (SFC) Ahmad Hanir Hambaly @ Arwi, Nurhafizza Azizan, and Azza Azmi, together with Federal Counsel (FC) M. Kogilam Bigai and Nur Atirah Aiman Rahim, represented the Federal Government. Sabah State Attorney-General Datuk Brenndon Soh, together with State Counsel Devina Teo and Roland Alik, represented the Sabah State Government. On Monday Dr Fung submitted, among others, that the core issue centres on the 2022 review conducted by both the Federal and State governments. He submitted that the review was unlawful, having been carried out beyond the powers conferred on both governments under Article 112D of the Federal Constitution. The 2022 review failed to consider Sabah's entitlement to the 40 per cent net revenue payment that ought to have been made annually by the Federal Government for the 'lost years', from 1974 to 2021. He referred to the 2022 Review Order issued by the Federal Government, which only provides for a five-year period starting from Jan 1, 2022, covering the financial years 2022 to 2026. Dr Fung also pointed out that while Sarawak has its own special grant, it is not entitled to the 40 per cent net revenue entitlement. Sabah's position is distinct, as it is constitutionally entitled to a revenue growth-based grant. As such, he emphasised, there remains a significant gap in revenue payments spanning the period from 1974 to 2021. Dr Fung further referred to the 1970 Review Order, which had been signed off by Tun Abdul Razak, the then Finance Minister of Malaysia. The 1970 Review Order set out the special grant allocations for Sabah for the financial years from 1969 to 1973, amounting to RM20 million, RM21.5 million, RM23.1 million, RM24.8 million, and RM26.7 million respectively. However, from 1974 to 2021, the Federal Government retained 100 per cent of the revenue derived from Sabah, without any remittance of the State's entitled share. There was no application of the constitutional formula providing for a share in the growth of federal revenue derived from Sabah. Dr Fung submitted that during this entire period, there was no review conducted, no agreed intervals as required, no Order issued by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, and no annual grants provided under Article 112C of the Federal Constitution. These, he argued, constituted breaches of constitutional obligations. In response to a question from the court regarding whether any documents existed to explain the prolonged silence or failure to provide Sabah's 40 per cent entitlement over the 'lost years,', Dr Fung said that there were no such documents. Dr Fung submitted that the crux of their case is the absence of any reviews conducted for the 'lost years' and that the Federal Government, on the other hand, maintains that there is an 'ongoing review'. SFC Ahmad Hanir, meanwhile, submitted that there were 'no lost years' because the matter had been subject to ongoing review, and both the Federal and State governments had held numerous meetings to discuss it. 'The fact is, both the Federal Government and the Sabah Government have had numerous meetings to discuss this matter. There are ongoing negotiations. The review is a process,' he said. Asked by the Court if there is any document to show that the ongoing review is taking place, the SFC replied in the negative, stating that 'most of those documents are classified.' The evidence, the SFC said, was the grant itself, namely the Review Order. 'Until an order is made to alter the 1969 review order, it is evidence of Sabah's acceptance of the same being continually in force,' he said. The SFC went on to state that the admission of ongoing meetings and correspondences between the Federal and State Governments is sufficient. At this juncture, Brenndon interjected, saying there was nothing in that affidavit to say that there is an ongoing negotiation or review. 'What the Sabah Government did was to request,' he said. When asked by the Court if he agreed that 48 years are a fairly long time for the Sabah State Government to be quiet about it, Brenndon said: 'This is where we disagree on the breach of Article 112D(3). There is no review and no negotiations under Article 112D. No evidence to show the same.' The Court then asked the SFC that, notwithstanding what the Sabah State Attorney-General had said, if it is the Federal Government's stand that there has been ongoing negotiation or review for the 48 lost years, which the SFC answered in the affirmative. The SFC also submitted that the Federal Constitution provides for other grants other than the Special Grants to Sabah. The SFC also objected to the SLS' prayer regarding a mandamus order because it is not entitled to it on the merits. 'There is nothing in the Federal Constitution that imposes a duty on both the Federal Government and the Sabah Government to provide accounts. Hence, both governments cannot be compelled by this Court to do so. That's why SLS is not entitled to the mandamus order,' he said in concluding his submission. Meanwhile, Brenndon, submitted among others that that no review had been carried out for the 48-year period between 1974 and 2021, and that the Review Order merely specified the sums provided, without extending beyond that. He submitted that Sabah is entitled to its 40 per cent special grant for the unreviewed years. He added that the Sabah Government had agreed to accept an interim special grant from 2022 onwards on a 'without prejudice' basis, while reserving its right to rely on the original formula under Article 112C and to claim arrears for the Federal Government's failure to conduct a review. Brenndon further submitted that the State Government agreed there was scope for the Court to issue the declarations sought, including a mandamus compelling a review for the lost years, but maintained there was no basis for the Court to quash the 2022 review order. * 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

Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce supports AI road maintenance systems
Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce supports AI road maintenance systems

Daily Express

timean hour ago

  • Daily Express

Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce supports AI road maintenance systems

Published on: Tuesday, July 08, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jul 08, 2025 Text Size: Yong emphasised the need for substantial initial investment in equipment and data infrastructure — particularly in remote areas — and noted that the AI systems must be continuously trained and refined to adapt to Sabah's diverse terrains and weather patterns. Kota Kinabalu: The Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce (MCCC) Sabah supports the State Government's initiative to adopt artificial intelligence (AI)-driven intelligence systems to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of road maintenance and infrastructure management across Sabah. Its Deputy Director of Public Relations, Yong Wei Hau, said under the leadership of President Datuk Dexter Lau, the Chamber pays close attention to the crucial role infrastructure plays in driving economic development. He noted that roads are the 'arteries' of infrastructure, facilitating both transportation and economic flows. However, due to heavy use, climatic factors and delayed maintenance, many roads suffer from aging, damage and even disrepair—posing safety hazards and incurring economic costs. Today, AI technology is emerging as a key solution to address these longstanding issues. In Sabah, the State Ministry of Works is actively planning the implementation of an Intelligent Road Asset Management System, integrating AI, drones and Internet of Things (IoT) sensors to monitor road conditions in real time and carry out predictive maintenance. Deputy Chief Minister III cum Minister of Works Datuk Shahelmey Yahya said the system is expected to gradually replace traditional manual inspections and significantly improve management efficiency and precision. However, Yong cautioned that implementing AI systems is not without its challenges. He emphasised the need for substantial initial investment in equipment and data infrastructure — particularly in remote areas — and noted that the AI systems must be continuously trained and refined to adapt to Sabah's diverse terrains and weather patterns. Furthermore, concerns such as data privacy, cybersecurity and emergency response mechanisms must be addressed to ensure safe and reliable operation. 'AI is not meant to fully replace human involvement. It should serve as a tool to enhance decision-making and efficiency. The role of skilled professionals in monitoring and validating these systems remains essential to ensure scientific and effective outcomes,' he stressed. He said Sabah's vast and complex terrain—spanning mountains, rainforests and coastal zones — places long-term strain on infrastructure. 'Many local drivers endure poor road conditions as a daily reality: potholes, waterlogged roads, and frequent landslides all disrupt mobility and increase safety risks. 'In rural areas, drivers often rely on social media to warn each other about road hazards—an approach that is inefficient and limited in reach. 'The introduction of intelligent road monitoring systems could shift the current reactive model to a proactive one — enabling real-time surveillance, rapid repairs and smarter resource allocation. 'For Sabah residents navigating rugged roads daily, this marks a tangible and welcome change,' said Yong. * 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

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store