KOTA KINABALU: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor wants priority to be given to urgent projects as well as those that can be implemented immediately and deliver quick benefits to the people, particularly projects under educational institutions and hospitals.
Based on the MyProjek report, he said Sabah has received an allocation of RM6.59 billion under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), covering 1,233 projects or programmes, reflecting the government’s steadfast commitment to ensure Sabah continues to progress in line with the aspirations of the MADANI Government and SMJ 2.0.
“I also want more frequent monitoring of development projects being implemented to avoid delays.
“Issues and challenges in project implementation must be examined and referred to the appropriate channels such as relevant central agencies and the State Government, particularly when problems involve funding, land matters and utilities,” he said when chairing the State Development Action Council (MTPNg) meeting at Menara Kinabalu on Monday.
He said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, during the Kota Kinabalu District Development Meeting on March 15, 2026, had stressed the immediate implementation of small-scale “low-hanging fruit” projects that can deliver quick impact to the people.
“These small projects must be implemented efficiently, swiftly, according to schedule and with full integrity so that they can be quickly enjoyed by the people of Sabah.
“It is unacceptable for projects in this category to experience delays or become delayed (sick), often caused by local issues such as land ownership, utilities and others.
“I want implementing agencies and project owners to carry out frequent monitoring of these ‘low-hanging fruit’ projects,” he said.
Hajiji said the Hardcore Poverty Eradication Programme for Sabah 2026 is an aggressive continuation of the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development agenda.
He added that in 2026, the State Government launched SMJ 2.0 (2026–2030), which places poverty eradication as a key pillar to ensure no one is left behind in the state’s development.
“With a record-high budget allocation (RM12.02 billion for 2026), a significant portion of funds has been channelled into basic infrastructure projects (water, electricity and roads), which will directly drive economic activities across all districts,” he said.
In addition, to enhance quality of life and provide a sense of social security (social safety net) to vulnerable groups, various State Government initiatives have been implemented, including the “Sentuhan Kasih Rakyat” Programme (SYUKUR), he said.
“The success of the SMJ 1.0 Development Plan has given us confidence that the state is on the right track.
“The SMJ 2.0 Development Plan is a continuation that demands continuous transformation in enhancing our capabilities, including changes in mindset, work culture and creating new value for the people,” he said.
The Chief Minister said that under Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) 2.0, the State GovernmentBcontinues to focus on three main sectors, namely the Agriculture, Industry and Tourism Sectors.
This include, Ensuring sustainable economic growth, Human Capital and People’s Well- being so that no one is left behind in the wave of modernization as well as Infrastructure and Green Connectivity to accelerate solutions to water supply, electricity and road network issues (particularly the Pan Borneo Highway).
Hajiji said reporting on delayed projects during the meeting is important to ensure implementation issues can be resolved within the stipulated timeframe.
“The State Government takes this matter seriously as delays in project completion will lead to increased costs and losses to the Government,” he said.
As Chief Minister and Chairman of the MTPNg meeting, he urged all relevant parties to remain committed to resolving delays in the implementation of development projects in Sabah, particularly “low-hanging fruit” projects that can deliver high and immediate impact to the people.-pr/BNN
