Latest news with #RM1.18
Daily Express
6 days ago
- 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
The Sun
09-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Sungai Pemandi flood project to aid 2,000 Kota Tinggi residents
JOHOR BAHRU: The Sungai Pemandi Flood Mitigation Project (RTB) in Kota Tinggi is on track to provide relief for approximately 2,000 residents in Taman Aman and Taman Mawai upon its completion by April 26 next year. State Works, Transport, Infrastructure and Communication Committee chairman Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh confirmed the project has achieved 58 per cent progress. Spanning 2.7 kilometres along Sungai Pemandi, the RM42 million initiative includes constructing a flood wall, sandfill mattress, gabion structures, bridge replacement, and a pump system. Mohamad Fazli noted that land acquisition remains a significant hurdle, with 17 lots required for the project. The Sungai Pemandi RTB is among 11 high-impact flood mitigation projects overseen by a special committee led by the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA) secretary-general Datuk Mad Zaidi Mohd Karli. Johor currently has 10 major RTB projects in progress, including the RM1.18 billion Batu Pahat RTB and the RM2.24 billion Sungai Johor RTB. These efforts align with the government's strategy to minimise flood risks in high-risk zones through targeted infrastructure upgrades. - Bernama
Daily Express
09-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Semporna lacks basic infra despite being international tourist spot
Published on: Wednesday, July 09, 2025 Published on: Wed, Jul 09, 2025 By: Sisca Humphrey Text Size: Dr Jaujan also used the opportunity to question the State Government's broader planning approach, pointing to the RM1.18 billion being requested under the Supplementary Supply Bill 2025, on top of the RM6 billion already approved. Kota Kinabalu: Sulabayan Assemblyman Datuk Dr Jaujan Sambakong criticised the lack of basic infrastructure in Semporna despite it being one of Sabah's top tourism destinations, saying the town still lacks a proper jetty even as thousands of tourists arrive daily. 'Semporna is already considered an international tourist attraction. But our tourism jetty is still made of wood. 'There's no proper platform and the boats are docking in disorganised spots,' he said during the State Legislative Assembly debate. He said the situation was not just inconvenient but also posed safety risks. He also noted that many tourists were coming from China, Peninsular Malaysia and neighbouring countries, with up to 2,000-3,000 people arriving each day. 'If 80 per cent of tourists coming to Sabah are going to Semporna, then where is the investment from the Ministry of Tourism or the local government?' he said. Dr Jaujan said his recent visit to Semporna revealed multiple issues, from poor road conditions within the district council area to clogged drains that were left unattended. 'Jalan Masbah looks more like gravel than a paved road. Even the drains are clogged with grass cuttings and rubbish dumped by contractors,' he said. He added that neither the district council nor the local engineer could give a clear answer about who is responsible for the upkeep of basic infrastructure. Dr Jaujan also used the opportunity to question the State Government's broader planning approach, pointing to the RM1.18 billion being requested under the Supplementary Supply Bill 2025, on top of the RM6 billion already approved. 'This supplementary request is among the largest we've seen. It makes me think the original budget wasn't planned carefully. 'It looked more like an estimate than a detailed financial plan,' he said, adding that while the opposition supports what is necessary, there must be accountability. 'We're not here to oppose everything. But it must really match what the people need,' he said. He also questioned whether the State could implement the additional budget effectively, given that the year is already halfway through. 'It's already July. By the time projects start, it will be October or November. Can these funds even be spent properly?' he asked. He demanded clarity on how much of the initial RM6 billion has been used and pointed to the Rumah Mesra SMJ housing project as an example where updates are unclear. 'People are asking what's been completed. Inside and outside the DUN, everyone is asking. 'We, too, need answers so we can explain why things haven't improved in five years,' Jaujan said. He warned that continuing to pass large budgets without delivery would reflect badly not only on the government but also on elected representatives. 'This budget looks more like supply than development. No problem supporting it, but we must make sure it leads to visible outcomes,' 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
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
Telupid seeks share of allocation
Published on: Wednesday, July 09, 2025 Published on: Wed, Jul 09, 2025 By: Azmie Lim Text Size: Jonnybone also requested an immediate action to the riverbank erosion due to flood which caused several houses collapsed previously. Kota Kinabalu: Telupid Assemblyman Datuk Jonnybone Kurum urged the State Government to ensure that the additional RM1.18 billion allocation was spent based on the critical needs of every district, especially the rural community. He said the additional budget should cover all aspects that have been highlighted in the application of each district, including Telupid. 'Every time the budget is presented, I raise the issue of revamping the Water Department to ensure clean water supply for our people. 'Telupid needs upgrading for it's water treatment facilities and pipelines as in some areas like Mukim Nango, the entire village still lacks basic access to treated water,' he said. Jonnybone proposed the establishment of a mini water treatment plant to serve five affected villages, including Kampung Sinaputan and Kampung Nango. Jonnybone also raised another issue regarding the condition of the district's land office which currently shares space with the District Office. He said the concern is about the security of land grants and legal documents that are currently stored in a temporary facility outside the main building. Jonnybone also requested an immediate action to the riverbank erosion due to flood which caused several houses collapsed previously. 'More homes are at risk as the riverbanks continue to inch closer to residential areas. Some houses have already collapsed. We fear a disaster if nothing is done soon,' he said. Jonnybone also hopes that funding will be granted to repair the damaged infrastructures like culverts, suspension bridges, retaining walls behind the mosque and church that have been delayed for two years. He said the mosque and church are at risk of collapsing and damaged bridges prevent the villagers from carrying out rubber tapping works, among others. As a result, the villagers were forced to wade across rivers to access their farm. This situation becomes worse during rainy season. * 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 Sun
07-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Sabah assembly approves RM1.18 billion supplementary budget for 2025
KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah State Legislative Assembly has approved a RM1.18 billion Supplementary Supply Bill for 2025, ensuring smooth administrative operations until the assembly's automatic dissolution on November 11. State Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun tabled the bill, which was passed via majority voice vote after debates by 26 assemblymen. The allocation is divided into six categories, with RM600 million designated for contributions to the Statutory Fund. Other key allocations include RM204 million for administrative expenses, RM195 million for operational costs, RM84 million for domestic grants, RM54.4 million for investments, and RM50.7 million for special allocations. Masidi clarified that the Finance Ministry received an additional RM789.1 million, including RM600 million for the Statutory Fund. Of this, RM250 million will reduce the Development Account deficit without affecting cash flow. Another RM185.5 million is allocated for general treasury services, RM3.6 million for ministry operations, and RM150 million for the Statutory Trust Fund to maintain roads and bridges statewide. A RM200 million provision under the Special State Trust Fund will support initiatives like SENTOSA (student aid), SUBFLY (airfare subsidies), SUKSES (school activities), and infrastructure repairs. Additionally, RM54.4 million from the treasury services budget will fund equity investments, RM89.1 million for infrastructure, and RM30 million for Kota Kinabalu City Hall. The supplementary budget also includes RM147.6 million for the Works Ministry, RM94.4 million for the Chief Minister's Department, and RM55.7 million for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Ministry. Smaller allocations cover housing, community development, and youth programs. For development expenditure, RM416 million is allocated across 83 projects under 10 ministries. The Works Ministry receives the largest share (RM254.9 million), followed by Rural Development (RM82.5 million). The assembly resumes tomorrow. – Bernama
