KOTA KINABALU: Sabah has received RM226.26 million in allocations from the Rural and Regional Development Ministry to implement various agriculture projects in the state.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman, who is also the state finance minister, said the five-year fund was allocated to Sabah Land Development Board (SLDB).
“Rural and Regional Development Minister (Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob) came to see me and discussed about several issues and matters with regards to the ministry’s projects in Sabah.
“The meeting reached a consensus, the outcome was positive and the ministry has allocated RM226.62 million to SLDB from 2016 until 2020,” he said, while presenting his winding-up speech on issues raised during the tabling of Sabah’s 2017 budget at the state assembly sitting here.
He said that among others, the allocations are meant for the replanting of oil palm plantations in Sandakan, Lahad Datu, Kunak, Tawau and Merotai. The fund will also be used to develop communal grants in Bombong, Kota Marudu; Kabintaluan, Tenom; and Sumatalun, Nabawan.
In responding to a question by Datuk Seri Lajim Ukin (Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah-Klias), Musa said this was the first time SLDB has ever received an allocation from the ministry.
To avoid irregularities, he said claims received by SLDB will be submitted to the Chief Minister Department’s Financial and Management division and state Finance Ministry before it is forwarded to the ministry.
Musa said Ismail has also spoken about establishing a joint committee between the ministry and state government to monitor and solve issues pertaining to projects that are to be implemented in Sabah.
To a question raised by Christina Liew (PKR-Api-Api) on the state revenue, he did not deny that the state is very much dependent on the petroleum oil royalty and palm oil sales tax.
“In the 2015 budget, the state government strived to extend the scope of state sales tax by imposing a tax on products such as fish, mollusc and others brought out from the state.
However, this tax collection has been temporarily put on hold taking into account the current position of the seafood industry.
“Next year, we will continue to reduce arrears of revenue and increase returns via dividend payment, in which statutory bodies and government-owned companies are asked to pay at least 15 per cent dividend from their total profit.”
Musa also stressed that the RM3.78 billion Sabah budget tabled on Nov 18 was not rhetoric nor was it an election budget as portrayed by several opposition members.
“The 2017 budget is a manifestation of dedication, concern and sincerity of the state government in bringing progress, success and continuous excellence to the rakyat and our state.
“Indeed, the Barisan Nasional government which is the people’s choice has always adopted an open door (policy) and (is) ready to hear views and criticisms from the state assembly members.
“What is certain is that we will continue to achieve prosperity, taking into account the needs, welfare and expectations of the people.”