LABUAN: The residents of Labuan’s can look forward to the resolution of their water problems following the announcement of allocations announced in the Budget 2024 by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
In his Budget speech, Anwar announced an allocation from the Budget for the repairs of water pipes and other water related infrastructure across the island Federal Territory that is expected to solve the water problems there.
This comes from an allocation of RM1.1 billion to solve water supply problems in Labuan, Sabah and Kelantan.
This announcement was welcomed enthusiastically by Labuan Senator Tan Sri Anifah Aman.
“I would like to thank the Prime Minister for this budget allocation. This shows that he cares for the people of Labuan and wants to solve their woes,” said Anifah.
Anifah also thanked the Yang Di Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Riayatuddin Al Mustafa Billah Shah Ibni Almarhum Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Al Mustain Billah for His Majesty’s concern towards the problems faced by the people of Labuan and Sabah.
“His Majesty took time to tour the whole of Malaysian Borneo and listened to the voices of the people. He even read all letters given to him and shared them with the Prime Minister, ensuring that the voices of the people be heard,” he said further.
Anifah said that he had always brought the issues faced by the people of Labuan to the attention of the Federal Government.
“It is my responsibility to bring up any matters pertaining Labuan to the Government and I am glad that the Unity Government is taking the matters seriously,” he said, adding that he is sure that this news will also be very welcome in Labuan.
He added that the people of Labuan has suffered for a long time time due to the lack of clean water supply.
Anifah also commended the Government’s efforts to support the development of Labuan International Business and Financial Centre (IBFC) as a fully Syariah compliant Islamic financial hub.
The Prime Minister announced that a full tax exemption will be given for five years to Labuan entities who conduct financial activities or trade relating to Islamic Finance.
Anifah said that this incentive will definitely boost Labuan’s potential to attract financial technology (fintech) investors who specialise in Islamic finance.
“The five year tax exemption is a good incentive to attract investors into Labuan to conduct financial or trade activities related to Islamic Finance.
“When investors of this sector come into Labuan, the economy will be spurred, creating high-value jobs and producing economic spinoffs,” he added.
Among the activities listed in the Budget are Islamic digital banking, Islamic digital exchange, and issuance of Islamic digital tokens.
On Sabah, Anifah, who is also Special Advisor on International Relations and Foreign Investment to the Chief Minister thanked the Prime Minister on the allocation of RM6.6 billion in development funds for Sabah.
He also lauded the devolution of regulatory power on electricity supply to the State Government of Sabah which was in line with the Malaysia Agreement 1963.
“With the empowerment to regulate electricity, I hope that Sabah Electricty Sdn Bhd (SESB) will be able to solve electricity supply issues in Sabah and in Labuan,” he added.
Anifah also expressed appreciation on the allocation of RM7.4 billion for the Phase 2 of the Sabah Sarawak Link Road (SSLR) which would improve road conditions in Sabah.-pr/BNN
