KOTA KINABALU: The federal's assurance on the continuation of main projects such as the Pan Borneo highway under the recalibrated 2016 Budget, will pave way to boost economic activities in the east Malaysia states.
Sabah folk said the revised budget presented by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, has taken into account the current high living costs faced by people as well as ensuring that the country's development isn’t hampered.
Federation of Sabah Industries (FSI) Honorary Life President Datuk Seri Wong Khen Thau said the announcement of the continuation of the Pan Borneo highway project showed that the government still gives priority to Sabah and Sarawak.
"At the same time, the rehiring programme or giving illegal immigrants a chance to work with a valid permit is something wise, especially in the case of Sabah, to solve labour shortage ... It is better to legalise and have them documented," he said.
Sabah Consumer Affairs and Protection Society (CAPS) president James Bagah hoped the Pan Borneo project would be awarded to local contractors from Sabah and Sarawak as promised by Najib before.
While welcoming the 10 new Urban Transformation Centres (UTCs) nationwide, with three to be located in Sabah (Tawau and Keningau) and Labuan, he said rural areas could use more of such facilities due to high traveling costs to cities or towns to do perform their errands.
"We are also happy with the reduction of the employees’ contribution to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) by three percent and reduction of income tax to those applicable, which will definitely help ease the burden of Malaysians," said James, adding that establishing more fair price shops would benefit those of the lower income group.