By Olivia Miwil - September 27, 2021 @ 1:12pm
KOTA KINABALU: The 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) has included reviewing the rights of Sabah and Sarawak, as stated in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
The establishment of the Special Council on MA63 in 2020 has shown the commitment of the Federal Government to ensure the East Malaysians' rights are safeguarded.
"The Sabah and Sarawak Affairs Division, which was established under the Prime Minister's Department, is tasked with coordinating all the issues relating to implementing the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
"The process of handing over regulatory power for gas and electricity under MA63 will be continued in the Twelfth Plan.
"In order to ensure the sustainability of the grid system, the Federal Government will continue to provide financial support in implementing existing infrastructure projects.
"Efforts will also be undertaken to gradually reduce the dependency of the state government of Sabah on the tariff support subsidies," the report said.
The 12MP will also ensure Sabah and Sarawak receive between 15 and 18 per cent annually of the total basic development allocation to improve the respective state's infrastructure and facilities.
The Federal government will also work closely with Sabah Economic Development Corporation (SEDCO) and Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) to enhance their contribution in delivering better outcomes to the rakyat.
In uplifting the standard of living, the provision of basic infrastructure and services, including roads, treated water, electricity and broadband connectivity, will also be enhanced.
"Access to education is essential as a key driver in fostering socio-economic growth.
"In ensuring a conducive teaching and learning environment for students, efforts will be undertaken to further improve school infrastructure.
"Digital infrastructure including internet connectivity will be improved to facilitate better teaching and learning in line with the new norms," it also stated digital devices would be provided for selected students".
The 12MP will also increase accessibility for students with special education needs with at least one disabled school in each district.
The socio-economic development of Anak Negeri Sabah and Bumiputera Sarawak will continue to be given priority through employability, entrepreneurship and native customary rights, land development.
For healthcare services in Sabah and Sarawak, it will be improved, particularly in remote and rural areas, by having more personnel and upgrading the facilities.
"The construction of teaching hospitals for Universiti Malaysia Sabah and Universiti Malaysia Sarawak will complement efforts to produce specialists in Sabah and Sarawak.
"New health clinics will be built in Penampang and Beaufort in Sabah, as well as Samarahan, Sarikei and Miri in Sarawak.
"Public health clinics, far from hospitals, will be equipped with birth centres, observation room facilities and X-ray services.
"A new regional blood centre will be built in Sabah, while in Sarawak, state public health and food safety laboratories will also be built."
Seven projects involving 3,202 low-cost houses under the Program Perumahan Rakyat (Rumah Malaysia) and 2,400 houses under Rumah Mesra Rakyat to be constructed in both states.
"While religion is a state matter, efforts will continue to be undertaken by the Federal Government to facilitate the states in delivering services to the rakyat.
"The ongoing upgrading of Institut Kemahiran Islam Malaysia Sarawak is expected to be completed in 2023, which will provide trainees with more conducive facilities for better teaching and learning outcomes."
For security and public safety, stringent measures will be introduced to curb illegal immigrants, strengthening border and maritime security, as well as implementing a holistic plan that includes reviewing policies.
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