Latest news with #2025SupplementarySupplyBill
Daily Express
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
Government must include Kalabakan roads: Merotai YB
Published on: Thursday, July 10, 2025 Published on: Thu, Jul 10, 2025 By: Lagatah Toyos Text Size: Sarifuddin also criticised what he perceived as government spending priorities, questioning multi-billion-ringgit announcements while basic infrastructure issues like water supply, roads and electricity remain problematic. Kota Kinabalu: Merotai Assemblyman Sarifuddin Hata wants the Sabah Government to include Kalabakan roads in the supplementary allocations, as these routes were excluded from the Pan Borneo Highway project. He said the deteriorating road conditions had long troubled residents who frequently travel between Kalabakan and Bandar Tawau, including schoolteachers commuting to work. He said poor road infrastructure could damage the State's image once the planned cross-border route from Kalimantan to Kalabakan becomes operational. 'If only the stretch from the Kalimantan border to Kalabakan is newly constructed, while the road from Kalabakan to Bandar Tawau remains in poor condition, this will tarnish our image when people from Kalimantan enter Malaysia,' Sarifuddin said when debating the 2025 Supplementary Supply Bill at the Assembly. He also criticised what he perceived as government spending priorities, questioning multi-billion-ringgit announcements while basic infrastructure issues like water supply, roads and electricity remain problematic. He cited examples which included the purchase of SMJ car licence plates for RM3.96 million and RM8 million allocated for cyber troopers, contrasting this with the RM5 million given to Universiti Malaysia Sabah. 'We do not need to pay cyber troopers. If the government does its best, the people will see it. We do not need to play around on social media with negative perceptions,' he said. * 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
Daily Express
10-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Bill a response to actual needs
Published on: Thursday, July 10, 2025 Published on: Thu, Jul 10, 2025 By: Sisca Humphrey Text Size: Amisah acknowledged the RM109 million allocation to the Sabah State Water Department, noting that unresolved water issues in districts like Ranau, Pitas and Tongod require more than repeated promises. Kota Kinabalu: The 2025 Supplementary Supply Bill is not about political convenience or overspending but a response to actual needs, said Nominated Assemblywoman Datuk Amisah Yassin. Voicing full support for the RM1.18 billion additional allocation, Amisah said development needs are not fixed and the State Government has a responsibility to respond to changes that were not anticipated in the original budget passed last year. 'This is not about discretionary spending. It's about addressing new and pressing needs that surfaced since the original budget was tabled,' she said during the State Legislative Assembly debate. She said rising costs in construction materials, pressure on basic infrastructure and demands from remote areas justify the additional expenditure, particularly if it helps avoid delays in critical projects. Amisah acknowledged the RM109 million allocation to the Sabah State Water Department, noting that unresolved water issues in districts like Ranau, Pitas and Tongod require more than repeated promises. 'People in these areas are no longer requesting, they're demanding solutions. Delays are no longer acceptable,' she said. She also backed the RM40 million allocation for the Chief Minister's Department, which includes disaster response, risk management and project monitoring functions. Amisah pointed to several other allocations she said were necessary and targeted, including RM11 million for youth and sports development, RM16 million for Islamic religious affairs, RM4.9 million for community welfare programmes, and support for the agriculture and fisheries sectors. 'These are not symbolic budgets. They fund sectors that serve real communities including youth, single mothers, farmers, the elderly and disabled,' she said. One of the key points she raised was the broader regional distribution of funds in the supplementary Bill, with direct allocations going to districts often left out of major development, including Tongod, Pitas, Nabawan, Telupid and Beluran. 'This shows the government is no longer focusing only on urban centres. These areas are finally getting attention,' she said. Amisah also urged opposition members not to politicise the Bill. 'This isn't about allowances or overseas travel. This is about basic needs including water, roads, education and places of worship. 'Rejecting it for political reasons won't hurt the government. It hurts the people,' she said. She further recommended that the implementation of the funded projects be tightly monitored, with regular reporting, use of data and input from local communities. 'It's not just about approving budgets. It's about making sure the outcomes reach the ground,' she said. She reaffirmed her support for the Bill, describing it as a necessary step to ensure continuity in essential services and development projects already in progress. * 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
Daily Express
10-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Surplus budget enables rural upgrades: Sebatik Assemblyman
Published on: Thursday, July 10, 2025 Published on: Thu, Jul 10, 2025 By: Lagatah Toyos Text Size: Hassan cited an urgent need in his Sebatik constituency, namely the repair or reconstruction of the jetty at Kg Sungai Tongkang, which has deteriorated significantly after more than 30 years of use. Kota Kinabalu: Sabah Government has shown effective financial management by recording a budget surplus of RM624.6 million last year, according to Sebatik Assemblyman Datuk Hassan A Gani Pg Amir. He expressed confidence that the 2025 Supplementary Supply Bill would serve as an important mechanism to support the comprehensive and high-impact implementation of State Government policies. The Bill, tabled by State Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun during Monday's State Legislative Assembly session, reflects more than just a financial document but an important instrument to accelerate State development and ensure public welfare, Hassan said. Hassan noted that annual budget implementation is a dynamic process, with many unforeseen circumstances arising, such as rising raw material costs, urgent infrastructure maintenance needs and post-disaster recovery measures. 'This Bill allows immediate adjustments to be made so that government projects and services can continue without disruption,' he said. Hassan cited an urgent need in his Sebatik constituency, namely the repair or reconstruction of the jetty at Kg Sungai Tongkang, which has deteriorated significantly after more than 30 years of use. 'I request the Rural Development Ministry or Finance Ministry to consider providing allocation through this Supplementary Supply that will be approved,' he said. He described the Bill as a manifestation of a dynamic and responsive government that ensures development agendas are not hindered by original budget limitations. The additional allocation will be used strategically to improve rural infrastructure, such as roads and clean water supply and provide educational and healthcare facilities in remote areas. It will also support the implementation of climate change policies and forest management as outlined in the Forest and Carbon Tax Bill, with every expenditure directly benefiting Sabah's people. While pledging his full support for the Bill, Hassan urged all assemblymen to give their complete backing to show that all people's representatives are committed to prioritising public interests. This support also shows that representatives endorse inclusive government policies and ensure State administration remains responsive and progressive. * 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
Daily Express
08-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Kadamaian, Penampang need bigger funding: Ewon
Published on: Tuesday, July 08, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jul 08, 2025 By: Mohd Izham Bin Hashim Text Size: Ewon emphasised that additional state-level allocations are necessary to complement existing federal funds, particularly for villages located in steep terrain or on land previously degazetted from forest reserves. Kota Kinabalu: Kadamaian Assemblyman Datuk Ewon Benedick urged the Sabah Government to allocate substantial funding to Kadamaian and Penampang under the Sabah 2025 Supplementary Budget, citing ongoing needs in infrastructure development and native land ownership. Speaking during the debate on the 2025 Supplementary Supply Bill at the State Legislative Assembly sitting, Ewon stressed the importance of prioritising road and drainage improvements in both constituencies. He noted that residents in Kadamaian had consistently raised concerns about deteriorating road conditions that require urgent maintenance and upgrades. 'I hope the appointed contractors will carry out maintenance works more efficiently and on a regular basis in Kadamaian,' he said. In Penampang, Ewon highlighted the need for improved drainage systems to mitigate flood risks, calling for sustained maintenance efforts to protect residential and commercial areas. He also advocated for increased funding for the Pantas programme, which facilitates the surveying of native customary land. Ewon emphasised that additional state-level allocations are necessary to complement existing federal funds, particularly for villages located in steep terrain or on land previously degazetted from forest reserves. In addition, he proposed that a portion of the RM3.5 million allocated for sports complex maintenance be used to replace the running track at the Penampang Sports Complex, enhancing its functionality for community use. 'I am hopeful that this Supplementary Budget will help meet the development and administrative needs of the people,' he said. Ewon also commended the Sabah Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Haji Noor, for its fiscal governance, noting the receipt of an unqualified audit certificate from the Auditor General for the State Government's Financial Statement. He concluded by reaffirming his commitment to supporting initiatives that strengthen public financial management and address the priorities of his constituents. 'As the representative for Kadamaian and on behalf of my party, I will continue to back the government's efforts to uphold and enhance sound financial practices.' * 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
The Star
07-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Sabah Finance Minister assures transparency in 2025 Supplementary Supply Bill
KOTA KINABALU, 27 Jun -- Menteri Kewangan yang juga Timbalan Presiden Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun pada majlis perasmian Persidangan Tahunan Parti GRS Bahagian Petagas di Dewan Seri Putatan hari ini. --fotoBERNAMA (2025) HAK CIPTA TERPELIHARA. KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah government has nothing to hide in its financial management, and all expenditures under the 2025 Supplementary Supply Bill are transparent and traceable, says Datuk Masidi Manjun. Responding to questions raised by several assemblymen during the debate, the state's Finance Minister assured the State Legislative Assembly that the government welcomes scrutiny and remains committed to good governance. 'This forum is for us all. This forum is our choice. A choice of voices,' he said. Masidi expressed appreciation to all members who took part in the debate, noting that many of their suggestions were constructive and would be considered by the relevant departments and agencies. 'Not only I, but everyone, all departments, are paying attention. If I was unable to respond to some points during the session, God willing, I will reply in writing,' he said. Masidi added that the government had only one day to table the supplementary bill, making it challenging to address every query on the floor. 'There was no sudden move. There was no attempt to hide any expenditure. We are reviewing it … for information, for the record,' he said. 'All expenditures are linked, and over the years, they will show up in the books. If there is ever an attempt to conceal necessary spending, that would be a violation of regulations,' he pointed out. Masidi emphasised the importance of collaborating closely with oversight bodies such as the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (SPRM) to ensure accountability. 'We must work closely with those who have broad wisdom, like MACC, who are capable and trustworthy. Our duty is to apply the best governance in how we use the people's money,' he said. The finance minister was responding to remarks from both government and opposition assemblymen, some of whom had questioned the necessity, scale, and breakdown of allocations. 'We are open. These are not secret expenditures. Anyone can check. At year-end, they will be audited, and even before then, the records can be reviewed,' Masidi said. He added that by reiterating the government's commitment to transparency and public accountability, saying that constructive debate, even when tense, serves the greater good of the state.
