KOTA KINABALU: Sabah has received an allocation of RM1.14 billion from the Rural and Regional Development Ministry this year.
It is an increase of 20.5 per cent or RM290.1 million, compared with 2023.
The allocation, which is the highest among other states, would include 79 new projects out of 295 programmes.
The remaining 225 are the continuous programmes from the 12th Malaysia Plan.
Of the total allocation, Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said RM1.06 billion had been allocated to implement 224 infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, water and electricity supply in rural areas.
"We must find ways to accelerate development without disregarding the strict governance set by the government.
"Approved projects will only be implemented after two or three years because they depend on consultants…the lengthy open tenders.
"This involves strict procedures. We do not want to violate procedures. But with the prime minister's directive to expedite project implementation, certain steps need to be taken."
Zahid said this to the media after chairing the coordination meeting between the ministry and state exco on rural and regional development (Mexclub) at a hotel here.
Zahid, who is deputy prime minister, said that the meeting also included representatives from Felda, the Civil Defence Department and the TVET council. representatives.
He added that the agencies' roles were significant in getting to know programmes, disaster and education situations in the rural areas.