Sabah officials clarify RM18.7 billion federal allocation

Johari Suhaimin, Political Secretary to the Deputy Chief Minister and Sabah Finance Minister, has clarified that the RM18.7 billion allocation for Sabah in the 2027 Federal Budget is not entirely comprised of direct funds for state government projects or new development initiatives.

The amount includes federal management expenditures, such as civil servant salaries and the operational costs of federal ministries and departments operating within the state. This includes funding for public services in the education and health sectors.

Johari emphasized that the focus should remain on the effectiveness of spending to address fundamental issues in Sabah, including water supply, electricity, roads, and rural infrastructure. He noted that while geography and high construction costs present challenges, these should not serve as excuses for project delays or poor service delivery. He called for strengthened coordination between the Federal and State governments to ensure transparency and progress monitoring.