Chief Minister Urges Fast-Track for Quick-Win Projects

13 April 2026

KOTA KINABALU: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor has called for priority on urgent projects, especially those that can start immediately and deliver swift benefits to the public, such as those in schools and hospitals.

Citing the MyProjek report, he noted Sabah's RM6.59 billion allocation under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) for 1,233 projects and programmes.

This underscores the government's firm commitment to Sabah's progress, aligning with MADANI Government goals and Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) 2.0.

"I also want more frequent monitoring of ongoing developments to prevent delays," he said while chairing the State Development Action Council (MTPNg) meeting at Menara Kinabalu on Monday.

"Implementation issues must be flagged and escalated to the right channels, like central agencies or the State Government, especially for funding, land, or utilities problems."

He recalled Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's directive at the Kota Kinabalu District Development Meeting on 15 March 2026: prioritise small-scale "low-hanging fruit" projects for rapid public impact.

"These must roll out efficiently, on time, and with integrity so Sabahans feel the benefits quickly. Delays, often from local snags like land ownership or utilities, are unacceptable," Hajiji stressed.

"Implementing agencies and project owners must monitor them closely."

The Chief Minister highlighted the 2026 Hardcore Poverty Eradication Programme as an bold extension of the SMJ agenda.

He added that SMJ 2.0 (2026–2030), launched this year, prioritises poverty alleviation to leave no one behind.

With a record RM12.02 billion budget for 2026, substantial funds target basic infrastructure, water, electricity, and roads, to spark economic activity across districts.

To boost quality of life and social safety nets for vulnerable groups, initiatives like the "Sentuhan Kasih Rakyat" (SYUKUR) programme have been rolled out.

"SMJ 1.0's success proves we're on track. SMJ 2.0 demands ongoing transformation in mindset, work culture, and value creation for the people," he said.

Under SMJ 2.0, focus remains on agriculture, industry, and tourism; sustainable growth; human capital and wellbeing; and infrastructure with green connectivity, tackling water, power, and roads, including the Pan Borneo Highway.

Hajiji emphasised reporting delays at the meeting to resolve them promptly. "The State takes this seriously, slippage hikes costs and wastes public money."

As MTPNg Chairman, he urged all parties to stay committed to clearing hurdles, particularly for high-impact "low-hanging fruit" projects.