By Olivia Miwil
KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah government has tabled a Supplementary Supply Bill seeking an additional RM1.6 billion to finance expenditure until the end of 2026.
State Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun said the extra allocation is necessary to cover six main expenditure categories, led by RM856 million for statutory funds.
The remaining allocation comprises RM278 million for operating expenditure, RM210 million for investment expenditure, RM162 million for administrative expenditure, RM93 million for domestic grants, and RM13 million for special allocations.
Masidi said RM700 million of the statutory funds allocation will go to the Development Fund to reduce the deficit in the Development Account, while RM90 million will be channelled into the Statutory Trust Fund to operate and maintain roads and bridges across the state.
"An additional RM66 million is proposed for the State Government Special Trust Fund to finance basic infrastructure projects, including water supply, roads, and utilities, as well as poverty eradication initiatives such as the Rumah Mesra Sabah Maju Jaya and Sentuhan Kasih Rakyat programmes."
Masidi added that RM86 million has been proposed for the Chief Minister's Department and its agencies to fund state scholarships and educational assistance for Sabahan students.
Under the ministry's breakdown, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Ministry will receive RM43 million, the Rural Development Ministry RM30.6 million, and the Youth Development, Sports and Creative Economy Ministry RM24 million.
Other ministries and departments will share RM77.4 million for grants to local authorities, the Sabah Skills Development Centre, the Sabah Creative Economy and Innovation Centre, the Sabah State Cultural Board, and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes.
For the 2026 Supplementary Development Estimates, an additional RM435,539,780 is requested for 35 expenditure items across nine ministries.
"This includes funding for major water pipeline replacements and concession fee payments under the Sabah State Water Department, alongside the Sewerage Billing System Development Project and sewerage schemes under the Sabah Sewerage Services Department."
The Rural Development Ministry is proposed to receive the second-largest portion at RM62.58 million to finance small bridges and alternative rural water supply projects.
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