Sabah Budget 2026 reflects sound fiscal management and people-focused development, says Gagasan Rakyat leader

14 December 2025

KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Budget 2026 has been described as clear evidence of the State Government’s ability to manage development and public welfare through prudent, disciplined and sustainable financial governance.

Head of the Lumadan Division of Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat), Datuk Haji Mazlan @ Joehari Manan, said the RM6.402 billion budget, supported by estimated revenue of RM6.430 billion, recorded a surplus of RM28 million and underscored the government’s commitment to maintaining fiscal stability.

He said the surplus demonstrated that the State Government’s financial management was on the right track and capable of meeting development needs without compromising the well-being of the people.

Mazlan highlighted the substantial allocation to the Ministry of Works and Utilities, which received RM1.122 billion for Supply Expenditure and RM534.28 million for Development Expenditure, as evidence of the government’s focus on basic infrastructure.

He said the funds would be instrumental in addressing damaged roads, improving rural accessibility and strengthening the reliability of clean water supply, including through village road upgrades, agricultural roads and rural water supply projects.

On public welfare, Mazlan said the State Government remained committed to eradicating hardcore poverty through the Sabah State Hardcore Poverty Eradication Model, which focuses on five key areas: housing, employment, education, welfare and finance, as well as entrepreneurship and training.

He noted that the SYUKUR Programme, which provides RM300 in monthly cash assistance to 100,000 recipients, would continue under Budget 2026 as an important measure to help ease the cost of living.

In addition, he said various welfare assistance schemes for low-income households, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, single mothers and children would be maintained to strengthen targeted social protection.

Mazlan also welcomed the continuation of the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Friendly Home Programme, with the quota increased from 40 to 50 units per State Legislative Assembly constituency in 2026.

He described the allocation of an additional 10 housing units specifically for young families aged 40 and below who do not yet own homes as a progressive and inclusive initiative. He added that the State Government was also considering a study on providing a first home deposit subsidy to assist underprivileged youths in home ownership.

On human capital development, Mazlan said the allocation of RM186.54 million in Supply Expenditure and RM18.18 million in Development Expenditure to the Ministry of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation reflected the government’s continued investment in education.

He said the continuation of 13 existing education assistance schemes, including BUDI, BAIK, BAKTI, SUBFLY and SENTOSA, along with the introduction of the MUET Registration Fee Assistance (BAYU), was expected to benefit students and undergraduates in 2026.

Youth and sports development were also prioritised, with RM98.06 million allocated to the Ministry of Youth Development, Sports Advancement and Creative Economy. This includes funding for youth human capital development, sports development and sports infrastructure under the 13th Malaysia Plan.

Mazlan noted that foreign and domestic investment in Sabah increased by 76 per cent in 2025, rising from RM6.458 billion in 2024 to RM11.368 billion, further boosting the state’s economy.

He said Budget 2026 also placed emphasis on attracting further investment through improvements in basic infrastructure and utilities, as well as by strengthening investor confidence to create employment opportunities and broader economic benefits.

Mazlan also described the provision of a one-month salary bonus to state civil servants for two consecutive years as a notable achievement, reflecting the state’s stable fiscal position.

Overall, he said the Sabah Budget 2026, exceeding RM6.4 billion, was realistic, forward-looking and centred on the needs of the people. He expressed hope that all allocations and initiatives would be implemented effectively and closely monitored to ensure their benefits reached communities across Sabah.