DPM Fadillah: People-centric Budget 2025 shows Madani govt’s commitment in enhancing people’s welfare, rights

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 Sarawak.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said this in a statement on Friday when highlighting Sabah and Sarawak being prioritised in development allocations.

Sabah and Sarawak received RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively in Budget 2025.

“The Special Grants for Sarawak had not been reviewed since 1969. Under Madani, this year we increased the amount to RM300 million compared to RM16 million for Sarawak and 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 also Petra Jaya MP, announced a total of 17 work packages for the Pan Borneo Sabah Phase 1B project have been issued Letters of Acceptance, with a contract value of RM9.7 billion.

The Pan Borneo Sabah Phase 1B project covers Kota Belud to Kudat, Tawau to Kampung Lot M and Telupid to Ranau is expected to be completed by November this year.

He stated the Pan Borneo projects in Sarawak and Sabah cost RM25.1 billion in total.

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

Additionally, 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 government and Sarawak 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.

Meanwhile, in his capacity as Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, he welcomed RM4.95 billion allocation for energy and water sectors, which includes RM362.67 million for operating expenditure and RM4.59 billion for development projects.

“Given the current climate change situation leading to extreme weather and increasing incidents of flooding, Petra remains committed to implementing flood mitigation projects as announced in Budget 2025,” he said.

Fadillah stated 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.