Interior leaders applaud State Budget 2018

KENINGAU: Upper Interior Community Development Leader units ( UPPM) support State Budget 2018, which was tabled by Chief Minister Tan Sri Musa Haji Aman, on Friday.

“Congratulations to the Chief Minister for presenting a comprehensive state budget,” said Bingkor Community Development Leader Kennedy Jie John here yesterday.

He said besides the federal budget, Sabah’s budget also focused on the well-being of the people, especially those living in the rural areas.

He said the huge allocation for the Ministry of Infrastructure Development and the Ministry of Rural Development would solve infrastructure problems, especially roads and rural water supply.

Kennedy said the special provisions for youths also showed how the state government recognized the role of youths as a driving force in generating and contributing to the state’s economy.

Hence, youths should take on the opportunities that exist in advancing themselves, he said.

“In line with the theme of Empowering the Economy, the Barisan Nasional (BN) government is the best to lead the state towards a developed state by 2050. Thanks to the government and congratulations to the Chief Minister,” he said.

Liawan Community Development Leader Sahanip Jamil said the 2018 budget for the state was a considerable amount of money.

He said from that amount, RM1 billion was allocated for development.

He said people in the interior were hopeful that village roads in the Liawan state constituency would get the attention of the government this time, and if the village road was upgraded, it would be easier for the people to do their daily chores, including producing agricultural yields.

“Keningau district will launch the Keningau Visit Year 2018. Hence, the people are also hopeful that the allocation of RM113.27 million allocated for tourism purposes can be utilized to attract more tourists to this district as well as to benefit local traders and communities,” he said.

He also said the government was also channelling a substantial amount for welfare purposes and an allocation of RM140.64 million would certainly help both the elderly and the disabled.

Sook Community Development Leader Charles Ikang said the good financial management of the state, with an increase in state revenue, showed that the state was governed on the right track.

“The massive budget distribution to the rural people through the Rural Development Ministry showed that the state is always concerned about the welfare of the rural people.

Melalap Community Development Leader Simon Mamat said the budget which provided greater allocation, especially for rural infrastructure would further enhance the wellbeing of the people.

“A budget that helps entrepreneurs, especially the low income group, helps economic growth,” he said.