Hajiji described the budget as “huge” and inclusive, as it did not leave out any sector and anyone behind as the nation recovers from the pandemic.

“The increase in allocation to RM5.2 billion for basic amenities, infrastructure, water and electricity as well as health care development for Sabah is good news,” he said, in a statement here today.

He said this after monitoring the unveiling of the budget with his Cabinet members at his office here today.

Hajiji said that the state appreciated the federal government’s continuous sensitivity to Sabah’s needs by proposing RM1.5 billion for the rural infrastructure development in Sabah and Sarawak.

He also welcomed the assurance that infrastructure projects worth RM3.5 billion, among them the Pan Borneo highway will be continued next year.

The chief minister was also happy with the RM746 million allocated to repair dilapidated schools in Sabah and Sarawak, with a main portion of it to fund 112 such projects in the state.

He added the proposed tax reliefs and incentives for various sectors in the budget tabled by finance minister Tengku Zafrul Aziz also complemented the Sabah government’s Sabah Maju Jaya development agenda.

Another welcome allocation was the RM209 million subsidy for air transport service in Sabah and Sarawak, Hajiji said.

He said the proposed setting up of a General Operations Force (GOF) camp in the interior Pagalungan area will also greatly assist in boosting border security between Malaysia and Indonesia.