Sabah ministers applaud ‘holistic’ state budget
Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Masidi Manjun says additional RM12 million to develop rural tourism is a godsend.
Deputy Chief Minister-cum-Infrastructure Development Minister Joseph Pairin Kitingan said the budget, presented by Chief Minister Musa Aman on Friday, had struck a balance between infrastructure and human resource development in the state.
“Of course, we have always wanted infrastructure development. And the amount of RM1.336 billion allocated for my ministry will provide infrastructure development not only for next year, but also for the next five or even 10 years.”
However, Pairin said he was more impressed that Musa, who is also the finance minister, was able to consider the people’s welfare on top of providing them the much-needed infrastructure.
He said this proved that Musa had thought deeply about the needs of the people with the aim to ensure that everybody is able to enjoy the state’s economic prosperity.
“It is good to note also that Sabah’s finances have been audited before and proven to be in the best shape. This shows the BN government under Musa’s leadership has administered the state well.
“This government has shown it is serious in increasing the standard of living of the people. For this reason, we should continue to support a good government like this.”
Deputy Chief Minister-cum-Industrial Development Minister Raymond Tan Shu Kiah said the budget proved that Sabah’s financial standing remained strong, thanks to good financial management by the BN government.
“The budget is holistic and all-inclusive in strengthening and empowering Sabah’s economy.”
He was grateful that the budget has allocated RM115million in special grants for the benefit of small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
The grants, he said, would go a long way to helping micro-entrepreneurs, especially in the manufacturing and service industries.
Community Development and Consumer Affairs Minister Jainab Ahmad Ayid commended the budget for its generosity towards the welfare of the people, especially for women and families.
The ministry, which has been allocated RM140.64 million in supply expenditure next year, will also benefit from special allocations of more than RM90 million to support the development of women, youths and sports.
“I am glad the budget also allocated more than 100% increase in special funds to RM115 million. I am sure the money will be used prudently to benefit the people more,” she said.
Boosting eco-tourism
For Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Masidi Manjun, the additional RM12 million to develop rural tourism is a godsend and most timely because the ministry noted the increasing trend among tourists to go back to nature instead of spending time in cities.
“I think this will help our rural people, not only those involved in homestay businesses but also our handicraft industries.
“I really hope and believe the additional funds will further empower our rural tourism.”
He pointed out in certain rural areas in Sabah, for example Kiulu and Kadamaian, the rural tourism industry is already booming and run by the local community.
Masidi said he was impressed by the tenacity of the villagers in Kadamaian who built their own tourism industry from the ground up without any help from the government.
“Only after they had finished building and started profiting did they ask for some funds to help them develop and improve the infrastructure there,” he said.
He also said Sabah is blessed with flora and fauna and he welcomed funds that are geared towards conserving these natural resources, including protection of endangered animals.
He hoped the move will encourage major companies operating in Sabah to also contribute towards conservation programmes.
Musa announces goodies in RM4.1 billion surplus budget for Sabah
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