RM1,254.9 mln for infrastructure devt and public amenities

KOTA KINABALU: The state government has proposed an allocation of RM1,254.9 million for the state’s infrastructure development and provision of public amenities, under the 2019 State Budget.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal said the state government would continue to focus on development programmes comprising roads, slopes, bridges, public transportation, railway services; ports and harbour; water supply and sewerage; drains and channel.

“The government proposes a substantial allocation amounting to RM1,254.9 million for this sector next year.

“Of this allocation, RM1,000.94 million will be distributed to the Ministry of Infrastructure Development while the remaining balance will be allocated to Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK), Local Authorities (PBT) and various departments under other ministries which involved in infrastructure facilities development,” Shafie said in tabling the 2019 State Budget at the State Legislative Assembly sitting yesterday.

On a separate note, for next year, a total of RM250.12 million will be allocated to the Public Works Department (JKR) to implement programmes on road development, slope repairs, government buildings and public transportation.

“Road development programmes will include construction and upgrading of roads in urban and rural areas, including agriculture, tourism and industrial areas in several districts in Sabah,” added Shafie, who is also the Finance Minister.

In addition, for 2019, the state government has allocated RM636.69 million to the State Water Department for the purpose of its operation and implementation of development programmes.

The government will also provide an allocation of RM76.27 million which is funded through Federal Loan in the same year.

“The government will also further enhance the development and quality of railway services. In 2019, a total of RM42.33 million will be allocated to the Sabah State Railways Department for its operation and implementation of development programmes,” Shafie added.

In 2019, the Sabah government has also allocated RM20.54 million to the Sabah Ports and Harbour Department for water ways traffic and safety control as well as development of port facilities.

Meanwhile, the Local Government and Housing Ministry is allocated RM94.48 million for its operation and development programmes which among others are for the provision of various infrastructure facilities such as food courts, public markets and landscaping, including construction of administrative offices as well as infrastructure development in new town areas.

Shafie further disclosed that the government would also allocate RM127.31 million to the Department of Irrigation and Drainage for the purpose of developing drainage infrastructure in the urban and rural area to prevent or address flooding issues and to prevent rivers and shores erosion.

On a separate note, the government will commence the collection of sales tax on fishery commodities brought out from Sabah at a rate of 5 per cent beginning next year.

“Revenue collection from this sales tax is estiamted at RM20 million,” Shafie said.