For 2024, Sabah and Sarawak were allocated development expenditure of RM6.6 billion and RM5.8 billion respectively, but for next year, there is only a slight increase to RM6.7 billion for Sabah and RM5.9 billion for Sarawak.
Sabah Action Body Advocating Rights chairman Zainie Abdul Aucasa said the increase is not enough. “Basic necessities like water, electricity, connectivity and roads remain at a very low level compared to Peninsular Malaysia,” he told FMT.
Peter John Jaban, founder of Saya Anak Sarawak, said the allocation fails to meet the needs of East Malaysia’s growing population. “We still don’t have proper roads, and many bridges are needed to ensure access to essential places like schools,” he said.
Simon Siah, a director at human rights organisation Lawyer Kamek for Change, also said the allocation was insufficient given the vast size of the Borneo states compared to West Malaysia.
He criticised the slow pace of development in rural areas, particularly in Sarawak, where communities still rely on poorly maintained logging roads.
“After more than 60 years in Malaysia, many Sarawakians continue to endure logging roads built by companies that have taken away their lands and livelihoods,” he said.
More needed for dilapidated schools
Zainie also raised concerns about the insufficient funding for upgrading dilapidated schools in Sabah.
It was announced that RM1 billion will be allocated to upgrade dilapidated infrastructure in 543 schools, especially in Sabah and Sarawak.
Apart from highlighting the poor condition of canteens and toilets, Zainie also pointed out that many teachers – especially those coming from Peninsular Malaysia – are housed in inadequate living quarters.
He said many teachers have to rent accomodation far from the schools, which is unsafe for female teachers. He said the government should build proper accommodation for them.
NCR land problems
Siah expressed disappointment at the lack of funds allocated for surveys of native customary rights land in Sarawak, a significant grievance of indigenous communities, especially as many surveys are still incomplete due to the slow progress.
Siah called for a concerted effort and a targeted budget to fully complete NCR land surveys in Sarawak, emphasising that the issue is vital for the protection of native land rights.
Last week, Siah called for a task force to tackle NCR land issues in Sarawak as many natives do not have security of tenure to the land their homes are built on, leaving them in constant fear of being evicted.