Basic Infrastructure In Sabah, Sarawak Among Focus Areas In Budget 2025

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 18 (Bernama) -- Ensuring basic infrastructure in rural and interior areas will remain a priority to enhance the well-being of the people, with nearly RM2.9 billion allocation set aside for next year, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said this includes the construction and repair of rural roads such as in Kota Belud, Sabah; Pasir Puteh, Kelantan and Kuala Lipis, Pahang, with an allocation of nearly RM1.8 billion.

“Projects for the construction and repair of bridges, along with the installation and maintenance of village street lights, will continue with an allocation of over RM350 million. The supply of clean water and electricity in Sabah and Sarawak will benefit 5,150 homes with an allocation of nearly RM500 million.

“The government also supports collaborations with public universities to improve village infrastructure, such as the successful solar installation project on Pulau Tuba by Universiti Malaysia Perlis,” he said when tabling the MADANI Budget 2025 in the Dewan Rakyat today.

Anwar added that mobile services would be expanded next year with an allocation of RM100 million to meet the needs of rural and interior communities, especially in Sabah and Sarawak, where residents often face long journeys to access services.

He said this includes expanding the Mobile Community Services to include Kampung Pangaraan, Sabah and Pulau Bruit, Sarawak.

“Four more Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) Mobile Branches will be introduced, bringing the total to 16, primarily in Sabah and Sarawak, to facilitate the distribution of government aid.

“Nine new Mobile Dental Clinics will also be added, taking the total to 54 nationwide,” Anwar said.

On education, the prime minister said RM1 billion has been allocated to upgrade dilapidated infrastructure in 543 schools, particularly in Sabah and Sarawak.

The construction of 44 new schools will commence next year, including Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Lok Kawi, Putatan, Sabah and Sekolah Kebangsaan Dudong, Sibu, Sarawak.

Anwar also announced that RM100 million would be allocated to ensure that small eateries, roadside stalls and markets meet safety and comfort standards, including providing business space for small traders at Tamu Desa Sabah and Sarawak.

-- BERNAMA