Sabah Among Top Five States in Project and Programme Implementation

24 July 2025

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is ranked among the top five states in Malaysia for the completion of development projects and programmes, according to Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor.

Quoting the latest MyProjek report, Hajiji said a total of 1,271 projects are currently being implemented in the state this year. These comprise 396 ongoing projects and 875 new ones.

“Of this total, 1,171 are physical projects worth RM5.584 billion, while the remaining 100 are non-physical projects valued at RM355.24 million,” he said.

Speaking at the State Development Action Council (MTPNg) meeting at Menara Kinabalu today, Hajiji called on all stakeholders to intensify their efforts to ensure Sabah achieves excellence in the implementation of projects and programmes nationwide.

“While our performance is commendable, it must not lead to complacency or a slowdown in the monitoring and delivery of government initiatives,” he cautioned.

“Instead, this achievement should motivate us to work even harder—to complete every programme and project swiftly, effectively, and in a structured manner, ensuring maximum benefit to the people.”

The Chief Minister emphasised that the responsibility for project implementation should not lie with a single agency. Rather, all ministries and agencies must collaborate and actively contribute to the process.

Hajiji also highlighted the State Government’s commitment to strengthening financial governance through improved management procedures and clearer guidelines.

“This includes reviewing procurement processes and the appointment of concessions as mechanisms to address development challenges in the state,” he said.

He urged ministries and agencies to step up their monitoring of fund disbursements to ensure allocations are fully utilised for the benefit of the people.

“Payments to contractors and consultants must be made promptly, accurately, and systematically to prevent any disruption or delay in project implementation,” he added.

Hajiji also called on the council to prioritise urgent development needs and ensure timely responses to pressing issues.

Reaffirming the State Government’s dedication to the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Development Plan, he said the initiatives under the plan aim to increase income and productivity, particularly to address poverty and hardcore poverty.

“Through these initiatives, we are not only helping to raise income levels but also supporting targeted groups in breaking free from the cycle of poverty.

“Our unwavering commitment is reflected in our ongoing efforts to uphold, enhance, and expand every national and state development agenda,” he said.

Hajiji noted that continued investment in public amenities, infrastructure, social services, and assistance programmes has brought meaningful improvements to the lives of Sabah’s poor.

He further emphasised that the Human Capital and People’s Well-Being thrust of the SMJ Plan focuses on unlocking the potential of Sabahans through education, skills training, and social development.

“This includes initiatives to raise living standards, broaden access to education, and empower human capital. At the same time, we are cultivating greater public awareness and encouraging community involvement in initiatives that benefit vulnerable groups, including the poor and hardcore poor,” he said.