Masidi presenting the financial aid to Kian Kok Middle School Chairman Datuk Clement Yeh.
KOTA KINABALU: The State Government has approved RM56.75 million in funding for 2024 to schools and non-Islamic religious bodies across Sabah.
This financial aid is intended to improve educational facilities and maintain safe and conducive worship spaces.
Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun handed over the funds for the West Coast South Zone in a ceremony held at Menara Kinabalu here today, received by representatives of various schools, churches, temples and other religious institutions.
The West Coast South Zone recipients, including those from Kota Kinabalu,
Penampang, and Putatan, received RM24.14 million – RM8.67 million for 125
schools and RM15.46 million for 648 religious bodies.
Speaking at the event, Masidi said this year’s allocation is RM2.7 million higher than last year’s, reflecting the growing
requirements from schools and religious organisations, where 1,839 approvals were
granted, with RM24.15 million for schools and RM32.6 million for non-Islamic
religious bodies.
Masidi said this funding is meant to relieve financial burdens and reinforce the development of educational and religious institutions.
“We aim to maintain social harmony and foster an inclusive environment where every community feels supported.
“This support is more than just financial aid, it represents an investment in Sabah’s
human capital and moral foundation, helping schools maintain conducive learning environments and religious bodies uphold social values,” said Masidi
.
The initiative, part of the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya Development Plan, aims to strengthen human capital and enhance social infrastructure throughout the state.
Similar handover ceremonies are scheduled for other zones in November to ensure the distribution reaches all districts.
