Latest news with #InfrastructureDevelopmentTrustFund
Daily Express
26-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Why Sarawak ahead of Sabah in infrastructure: NGO
Published on: Thursday, June 26, 2025 Published on: Thu, Jun 26, 2025 By: Bernama Text Size: Ramli said the decision to replace the Infrastructure Development Trust Fund with a unified modern financing mechanism highlights the state's focus on project efficiency and accountability. LABUAN: Despite sharing similar geographies and economic aspirations, Sarawak and Sabah have taken markedly different paths in infrastructure development. Former President of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) Malaysia and vice-president of CILT International for Southeast Asia, Datuk Dr Ramli Amir, said Sarawak has emerged as a model of self-reliance, independently funding large-scale infrastructure projects. At the same time, Sabah remains heavily dependent on federal allocations, resulting in development delays and fragmented logistics. 'Over the past decade, Sarawak has allocated billions of ringgit toward roads, bridges, ports, and industrial zones, all without resorting to debt or federal funding. 'The state government's fiscal discipline and adoption of innovative financing, including an alternative funding model introduced in 2019, have enabled accelerated infrastructure rollout. 'Sarawak's commitment to strategic financial management is exemplified by the RM11 billion invested in ten bridges, executed without external borrowing,' he said in a statement to Bernama on Wednesday. Ramli said the decision to replace the Infrastructure Development Trust Fund with a unified modern financing mechanism highlights the state's focus on project efficiency and accountability. He added that political stability and a long-term vision have also enabled Sarawak to maintain consistent development through initiatives such as the Coastal Road Network, the Second Trunk Road, deep-seaports, and free industrial zones. 'In contrast, Sabah faces persistent infrastructure gaps, largely due to its dependence on federal grants. Although the state has gained autonomy for projects below RM50 million, larger infrastructure ventures remain subject to federal processes. 'This has resulted in underinvestment and chronic delays, such as those plaguing the Pan Borneo Sabah Highway,' Ramli said. He noted that the logistics sector in Sabah is particularly strained, with transport costs reportedly 30 to 50 per cent higher than in Peninsular Malaysia, and public transport penetration in Kota Kinabalu lags far behind Kuala Lumpur. Meanwhile, many rural areas still lack basic infrastructure, and poor connectivity continues to hinder economic growth. Sabah's reliance on fragmented and reactive infrastructure planning has limited its potential for sustainable economic transformation. Commenting on the contrast, Ramli said Sarawak's success is rooted in its institutional leadership and fiscal autonomy. 'The state's ability to independently manage and finance its infrastructure agenda should serve as a wake-up call for Sabah to strengthen its internal capacities,' 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
Borneo Post
25-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sarawak's self-reliant infrastructure surge sets it apart from federally dependent Sabah, says logistics expert
Ramli said the decision to replace the Infrastructure Development Trust Fund with a unified modern financing mechanism highlights Sarawak's focus on project efficiency and accountability. — Bernama photo LABUAN (June 25): Despite sharing similar geographies and economic aspirations, Sarawak and Sabah have taken markedly different paths in infrastructure development. Former President of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) Malaysia and vice-president of CILT International for Southeast Asia, Datuk Dr Ramli Amir, said Sarawak has emerged as a model of self-reliance, independently funding large-scale infrastructure projects. At the same time, Sabah remains heavily dependent on federal allocations, resulting in development delays and fragmented logistics. 'Over the past decade, Sarawak has allocated billions of ringgit toward roads, bridges, ports, and industrial zones, all without resorting to debt or federal funding. 'The state government's fiscal discipline and adoption of innovative financing, including an alternative funding model introduced in 2019, have enabled accelerated infrastructure rollout. 'Sarawak's commitment to strategic financial management is exemplified by the RM11 billion invested in ten bridges, executed without external borrowing,' he said in a statement to Bernama today. Ramli said the decision to replace the Infrastructure Development Trust Fund with a unified modern financing mechanism highlights the state's focus on project efficiency and accountability. He added that political stability and a long-term vision have also enabled Sarawak to maintain consistent development through initiatives such as the Coastal Road Network, the Second Trunk Road, deep-seaports, and free industrial zones. 'In contrast, Sabah faces persistent infrastructure gaps, largely due to its dependence on federal grants. Although the state has gained autonomy for projects below RM50 million, larger infrastructure ventures remain subject to federal processes. 'This has resulted in underinvestment and chronic delays, such as those plaguing the Pan Borneo Sabah Highway,' Ramli said. He noted that the logistics sector in Sabah is particularly strained, with transport costs reportedly 30 to 50 per cent higher than in Peninsular Malaysia, and public transport penetration in Kota Kinabalu lags far behind Kuala Lumpur. Meanwhile, many rural areas still lack basic infrastructure, and poor connectivity continues to hinder economic growth. Sabah's reliance on fragmented and reactive infrastructure planning has limited its potential for sustainable economic transformation. Commenting on the contrast, Ramli said Sarawak's success is rooted in its institutional leadership and fiscal autonomy. 'The state's ability to independently manage and finance its infrastructure agenda should serve as a wake-up call for Sabah to strengthen its internal capacities,' he said. – Bernama infrastructure innovative Ramli Amir sabah sarawak transport
Borneo Post
28-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Sarawak DUN wraps up session with six Bills passed, senator reappointed
Sharifah Hasidah moved the motion to adjourn the sitting. – Photo by Roystein Emmor KUCHING (May 28): The first meeting of the fourth session of the 19th Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN), which saw the passing of six bills and the approval of a motion to reappoint a member to the Dewan Negara, was adjourned sine die at 5.13pm today. Deputy Minister in the Premier of Sarawak's Department (Law, MA63 and State-Federal Relations), Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali, moved the motion to adjourn the sitting. On May 20, three bills were passed – starting with the Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (Amendment) Bill 2025, tabled by State Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn. The Bill aims to strengthen the state's biodiversity governance, ensuring it remains effective, sustainable, and economically viable. It also empowers Sarawak to harness its rich biological resources while promoting the commercialisation of scientific advancements. The Land Code (Amendment) Bill 2025, tabled by State Deputy Premier and Second Minister of Natural Resources and Urban Development, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, was also passed on the same day. Awang Tengah said the amendments were essential in strengthening Sarawak's land management and administration, ensuring it remains efficient, adaptable and aligned with the current best practice and standards for governance. Also passed on May 20 was the Local Authorities (Amendment) Bill 2025, tabled by Deputy Premier and State Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian. The amendment facilitates an increase in the number of councillors in several local authorities across Sarawak, including the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) and Miri City Council (MCC), as well as three municipal councils namely Sibu Municipal Council (SMC), Padawan Municipal Council (MPP), and Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS). The number of councillors for each of these councils would be increased to 33 from 30, excluding the mayor and deputy mayor for the city councils; and the chairman and deputy chairman for the municipal councils. Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas tabled the remaining three bills – the Infrastructure Development Trust Fund (Dissolution) Bill 2025, which was passed on May 21, along with the Supplementary Supply (2024) Bill 2025 and Supplementary Supply (2025) Bill 2025, both passed on May 22. The Infrastructure Development Trust Fund (Dissolution) Bill 2025 seeks to dissolve the Infrastructure Development Trust Fund, which has been deemed redundant in view of today's economic landscape. The trust fund, which was set up in 1985, served as a revolving fund consisting of money appropriated from time to time from the State Consolidated Fund into the trust fund for the purpose of building certain basic infrastructure such as roads, water and electricity supplies to any development area. The august House also unanimously passed two Supplementary Supply Bills involving a total of RM391,429,717 for additional expenditures that were not covered in previous allocations. The Supplementary Supply (2024) Bill allocates RM153,769,197 to meet the cost of various services incurred by various ministries and departments for which funds were not provided for or insufficiently provided for in the 2024 estimates. The Supplementary Supply (2025) Bill provides RM237,660,520, including RM100 million required by the Sarawak Premier's Department to cater for rental of air-charter services due to increased activities. On May 22, the DUN also approved a motion to reappoint Senator Datuk Ahmad Ibrahim, 56, as a member of the Dewan Negara for a second term. The motion was proposed by Deputy Premier and Bukit Sari assemblyman, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, and seconded by Deputy Premier and Batu Kawah assemblyman, Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian. Ahmad's current term, which began on July 22, 2022, is set to expire on July 21, 2025. His new appointment will take effect the following day. During the sitting, a total of 320 questions, both written and oral, were submitted by 41 honourable members. Meanwhile, Sharifah Hasidah, in her remarks, emphasised the importance of maintaining the dignity and integrity of the DUN as the highest legislative authority in the state. 'All laws passed in this House must be respected, enforceable, and recognised without doubt. Let there be no question about their legitimacy,' she said. Sharifah also spoke of Sarawak's achievements on local, national, and international fronts. Citing the Post-Covid Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, she reiterated the state's ambition to become a high-income economy and Asean's energy powerhouse. She praised Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg's leadership, noting Sarawak's increasing recognition as a hub for green energy and hydrogen innovation on the global stage. On the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), Sharifah reaffirmed Sarawak's unwavering commitment to asserting its constitutional rights. 'We will pursue our rights within the parameters of the law, guided by the Federal Constitution, MA63, the IGC Report, and Sarawak's State Constitution,' she said. Meanwhile, DUN Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar commended the cooperation and decorum demonstrated by assembly members. 'This eight-day sitting proceeded smoothly and with great order, thanks to everyone's dedication in upholding the sanctity of this august House,' he said. adjourned Dewan Undangan Negeri Sarawak DUN lead
New Straits Times
21-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Sarawak passes bill to dissolve Infrastructure Development Trust Fund
KUCHING: The Sarawak Legislative Assembly has passed the Infrastructure Development Trust Fund (Dissolution) Bill 2025, aimed at dissolving the fund. When tabling the bill, Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the main objective of the fund, which came into operation in June 1987, was to assist individuals, groups of developers, investors or private entities undertaking land development for housing, commercial or industrial purposes. He said the establishment of the trust fund had helped alleviate the initial heavy capital outlays required for infrastructural development from developers involved in approved new development plans. Uggah, who is also state minister for infrastructure and port development, said it also enabled developers to expedite implementation and ensure the smooth and cost-effective execution of approved development projects. "In today's economic landscape, private developers are financially resilient and capable of undertaking development projects, with a high likelihood of securing financing from banks. "Furthermore, over the years, the Sarawak government has significantly strengthened our fiscal capacity, and our budget governance has become more structured and strategic, enabling increased allocations for basic infrastructure development across Sarawak. "Thus, retaining this trust fund is no longer relevant, as it has outlived its original purpose," he said, adding that all money in the trust fund, subject to the direction of the State Financial Secretary, will be transferred into the State Consolidated Fund. A total of eight assembly members took part in the debate on the bill. – Bernama
Borneo Post
21-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Soon Koh: Infrastructure Development Trust Fund hamstrung by limitations, modern consolidate financing model needed
Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh – Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (May 21): The Infrastructure Development Trust Fund (IDTF) was hamstrung by 'structural and operational limitations', said Bawang Assan assemblyman Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh. While expressing for the Infrastructure Development Trust Fund (Dissolution) Ordinance 2025, he said the IDTF must be replaced with a modern, consolidated financing model. According to him, the IDTF, established in 1985, lacks transparent governance, accountability mechanisms, and the flexibility to finance technology-driven, high-value projects. 'Without adaptive governance, the IDTF might fail to address emerging needs like rural-urban connectivity or port or airport modernisation,' he said during the debate of the Bill, which was passed by the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) today. Wong listed four key shortcomings of the old framework: inadequate accountability, limited adaptability to sustainability goals, inflexible funding rules, and exposure to potential mismanagement. 'The dissolution of the IDTF represents a momentous move in our approach to infrastructure financing and management. 'Indeed, this change must be seen as our broader efforts to rationalise our public finance management, which is moving towards unifying financing, and this unified financing can reduce fragmentation of development funding mechanisms, which can bring about strategic overall prioritisation of infrastructure projects,' he said. He called for a detailed implementation schedule for the dissolution, including timelines, various responsibilities, and audit trails, as well as proposed a dedicated transition task force be set up to oversee the migration of funds and project documentation. Furthermore, he emphasised that the reform must be seen as part of the state's vision to modernise the infrastructure financing system to ensure that money spent will bring maximum value to the people. Wong warned that the move's success hinges on stringent oversight and the state's ability to leverage alternative funding models effectively. 'By consolidating funds under this financial model, the state is on its way to accelerate infrastructure development, reduce bureaucratic inefficiencies, and assert more financial independence,' he added. Infrastructure Development Trust Fund lead wong soon koh
