Budget 2025 reflects government’s priority to East Malaysia, says Fadillah

KUCHING (Oct 19): The ‘People First’ approach to the Budget 2025 presented by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim reflects the government’s commitment to enhancing the welfare and rights of the citizens, including those in East Malaysia.

In a statement, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof highlighted that Sabah and Sarawak are prioritised in the development allocations, receiving RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion, respectively.

“The Special Grants for Sarawak have not been reviewed since 1969. This year, under Madani, we have increased the amount to RM300 million compared to RM16 million for Sarawak, along with RM125.6 million for Sabah.

“Starting in 2025, the government plans to double the Special Grants for Sarawak and Sabah to RM600 million,” he said.

Fadillah, who is Petra Jaya MP, announced that a total of 17 work packages for the Pan Borneo Sabah Phase 1B project have been issued Letter of Acceptance (SST), with a contract value of RM9.7 billion.

Meanwhile, the Pan Borneo project in Sarawak, covering routes from Kota Belud to Kudat, Tawau to Kampung Lot M, and Telupid to Ranau, is expected to be completed by November 2024.

The total cost of the Pan Borneo projects in Sarawak and Sabah is RM25.1 billion.

Fadillah mentioned four finalised work packages for the Sabah Sarawak Link Road (SSLR) Phase 2, worth RM7.4 billion, with two packages already awarded while the remaining packages are expected to be awarded before the end of the year.

Additionally, he said the government has agreed to implement expansion projects for Tawau Airport in Sabah and Miri Airport in Sarawak at a cost of RM253 million.

“The federal and Sarawak government are also collaborating to develop the Sarawak Cancer Centre, estimated at RM1 billion.

“I commend Sarawak’s willingness to front the financing for this project,” he added.

Fadillah, who is Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister, also welcomed the RM4.95 billion allocation for energy and water sectors, which includes RM362.67 million for operating expenditures and RM4.59 billion for development projects.

“Given the current climate change situation leading to extreme weather and increased flooding, the ministry remains committed to implementing flood mitigation projects as announced in the budget speech,” he said.

He stated that the Budget 2025 reflects the federal government’s dedication to prioritising the people and building a sustainable foundation for future growth through energy transition and water transformation initiatives.