Hajiji chairing the MTPNg meeting today.
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is among the top five states in the country in terms of development projects and programmes completion, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Haji Hajiji Haji Noor.
Based on the MyProjek report, he said a total of 1,271 projects, comprising 396 continuity projects and 876 new ones are being implemented this year in Sabah.
“Of the figure, 1,171 projects or RM5.584 billion are physical projects while another 100 or RM355.24 million are non-physical projects,” he said.
“I urge everyone to step up to ensure Sabah achieves the best in terms of projects or programmes implementation in Malaysia,” he said when chairing the State Development Action Council (MTPNg) meeting at Menara Kinabalu here today.
Despite the good performance, the Chief Minister emphasized that it should not be an excuse to become complacent and slow down the momentum in monitoring government programmes or projects.
“Instead, it should serve as an indicator for us to work harder to improve and complete every programme and project more swiftly, accurately and in an orderly manner, ultimately bringing benefits to all the people,” he said.
Hajiji said the implementation of programmes and projects should not solely fall on the shoulders of one agency, rather all agencies and ministries should play a significant role in ensuring their success.
The Chief Minister said the State Government has also made efforts to strengthen the state’s financial governance by enhancing financial management procedures and guidelines.
This is carried out through the evaluation and consideration of procurement procedures as well as the appointment of concessions as a mechanism to address development issues in the state, he said.
“In addition, each agency or ministry must monitor more frequently the disbursement of allocated funds to ensure they are fully utilised and benefit the people.
“Payments to contractors and consultants must also be made promptly, accurately and in an orderly fashion to ensure that project implementation in the state is not disrupted or delayed,” he said.
The Chief Minister also reminded the council to ensure all pressing development needs are addressed swiftly.
Hajiji said the State Government is also relentless in carrying out initiatives under the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya Development Plan to implement income enhancement and productivity improvement programmes to address the poor and hardcore poor issues, which is dynamic.
“Through these initiatives, we are not only helping to increase income but also strive to assist targeted groups to get out of poverty.
“Our concern is also evident through our relentless efforts and hard work in ensuring that every national or state agenda is adhered to, improved upon and further enhanced,” he said.
Hajiji said that the continuous provision of needs and facilities to the people, through the upgrading of public amenities, basic facilities, social infrastructure and social service assistance, has provided multiple benefits to the poor in Sabah.
In addition, he said the Human Capital and People’s Wellbeing thrust in the Hala Tuju SMJ development plan also focuses on developing the potential of the people
through education, training and social wellbeing.
“This includes initiatives to improve living standards, provide educational opportunities and comprehensively empower human capital, while also educating the society to be more aware and inclined to participate in or contribute to the implementation of programmes that benefit target groups such as the poor and hardcore poor,” he said.
