Latest news with #SupplementarySupplyBill2025
Daily Express
12 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Express
Ibahan folks never sidelined: Juil
Published on: Sunday, July 13, 2025 Published on: Sun, Jul 13, 2025 By: Hayati Dzulkifli Text Size: Limbahau Assemblyman Datuk Juil Nuatim Kota Kinabalu: Physical development of Limbahau state constituency and its people's needs have never been sidelined by the present State government, said its independent Limbahau Assemblyman Datuk Juil Nuatim. In fact, he said he was thankful to the State government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Haji Noor, for approving various development initiatives that have transformed Limbahau. 'Since I was entrusted with the people's mandate to represent Limbahau, much development has been brought into the area – the needs of the people continue to be improved, roads upgraded, basic amenities strengthened and the problems and hardships of the people addressed. 'This is not mere rhetoric; it is a reality. It is not fantasy, but a true manifestation of a caring government moving in line with the grand vision of Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ),' he said when debating the Supplementary Supply Bill 2025 at the State Legislative Assembly here, recently. Subscribe or LOG IN to access this article. Support Independant Journalism Subscribe to Daily Express Malaysia Access to DE E-Paper Access to DE E-Paper Exclusive News Exclusive News Invites to special events Invites to special events Giveaways & Rewards 1-Year Most Popular (Income Tax Deductible) Explore Plans Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
3 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Express
Government urged to increase allocations for rural religious schools
Published on: Thursday, July 10, 2025 Published on: Thu, Jul 10, 2025 By: Nora Ahmad Text Size: Aliakbar also proposed closer collaboration between the Ministry of Education and Jheains to optimise the use of underutilised government school buildings as temporary religious learning spaces. Kota Kinabalu: The Government has been urged to strengthen religious education institutions in Sabah by increasing allocations in the recently tabled supplementary budget, particularly to address the poor condition of state religious schools in rural areas. Nominated Assemblyman Datuk Aliakbar Gulasan (PAS) said that based on field observations, many state religious schools are still operating under inadequate conditions, while some remote areas have no religious schools at all. 'I have raised this matter before in the House. When we visit the ground, we find that many of the most rundown schools are state religious schools, which I believe fall under the jurisdiction of the Sabah Islamic Religious Affairs Department (Jheains). 'There are even villages that still don't have a religious school at all. These schools are crucial for children in rural communities to learn religious knowledge,' he said during the debate session at the State Assembly sitting. While expressing confidence in Jheains' efforts to address the issue, Aliakbar stressed the need for greater focus on rebuilding, maintaining, and staffing these schools. 'I believe the government has many initiatives and incentives in this area, but I ask that specific attention be given to improving the physical structure of these schools, especially in rural areas where there is a severe lack of manpower and religious teachers. 'Some of the additional funds from this budget should be allocated for new construction, maintenance, or the hiring of more teachers,' he said. Aliakbar also proposed closer collaboration between the Ministry of Education and Jheains to optimise the use of underutilised government school buildings as temporary religious learning spaces. 'There are areas with no religious schools, neither state religious schools nor Kafa (Kelas Agama dan Fardhu Ain), but they do have national schools. Perhaps discussions can be held between the Ministry of Education and Jheains to allow these national schools to be used as religious schools,' he said. He also thanked the State Government for tabling the supplementary budget and expressed hope that religious education would not be sidelined in the allocation process. Meanwhile, State Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun, in his winding-up speech on the RM1 billion Supplementary Supply Bill 2025, said that RM2.69 million has been proposed for the construction of religious schools and the maintenance of teachers' quarters and school facilities. Earlier, Deputy Speaker Datuk Richard Yong We Kong announced that the bill was passed unanimously after being debated by 26 assemblymen. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
5 days ago
- Business
- Daily Express
Break down budget expenses, Government told
Published on: Wednesday, July 09, 2025 Published on: Wed, Jul 09, 2025 By: Sisca Humphrey Text Size: 'Is this another case of political interference over contracts? If that's what's happening here, then the public is being short-changed,' Darrell said. Kota Kinabalu: The State Government must explain how it plans to spend the mid-year supplementary budget, especially when longstanding issues remain unresolved, said Moyog Assemblyman Datuk Darell Leiking. He said the revised allocation under the Chief Minister's Office for temporary Community Development Leader Unit (UPPM) appointments amounts to RM24 million, an increase of RM13 million from the previous figure. 'That's a lot of money, and it needs to be justified in writing,' he said when debating the Supplementary Supply Bill 2025 tabled by State Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun at the State Legislative Assembly. He directed sharper criticism at the State's water supply problems, pointing to the Telibong II Water Treatment Plant as a key example. 'Although the plant was reportedly completed two or three years ago, the contract for the piping works was only issued last year and they are still ongoing. 'That means the water crisis isn't due to infrastructure limitations, but administrative delays,' he said. 'Ordinary people are the ones left dealing with the consequences.' He suggested the delays might stem from internal disputes, comparing the situation to the stalled Pan Borneo Highway project where contract and political issues were widely blamed. 'Is this another case of political interference over contracts? If that's what's happening here, then the public is being short-changed,' Darrell said. He also raised concern over the RM5.87 million allocation for official air transport for the Head of State and Chief Minister. Instead of relying on State-funded flights, he said the Government should opt for more economical alternatives, citing his experience as former Minister of International Trade and Industry (Miti). 'I used travel warrants and credit cards. We booked online and saved tens of thousands on each trip,' he said. He noted that business class flights from Kuala Lumpur to London could cost up to RM50,000 through official channels, while online bookings could bring the cost down to RM15,000 or less. 'This is not about comfort, it's about responsibility,' he said. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
5 days ago
- Business
- Daily Express
Semporna lacks basic infra despite being international tourist spot
Published on: Wednesday, July 09, 2025 Published on: Wed, Jul 09, 2025 By: Sisca Humphrey Text Size: Dr Jaujan also used the opportunity to question the State Government's broader planning approach, pointing to the RM1.18 billion being requested under the Supplementary Supply Bill 2025, on top of the RM6 billion already approved. Kota Kinabalu: Sulabayan Assemblyman Datuk Dr Jaujan Sambakong criticised the lack of basic infrastructure in Semporna despite it being one of Sabah's top tourism destinations, saying the town still lacks a proper jetty even as thousands of tourists arrive daily. 'Semporna is already considered an international tourist attraction. But our tourism jetty is still made of wood. 'There's no proper platform and the boats are docking in disorganised spots,' he said during the State Legislative Assembly debate. He said the situation was not just inconvenient but also posed safety risks. He also noted that many tourists were coming from China, Peninsular Malaysia and neighbouring countries, with up to 2,000-3,000 people arriving each day. 'If 80 per cent of tourists coming to Sabah are going to Semporna, then where is the investment from the Ministry of Tourism or the local government?' he said. Dr Jaujan said his recent visit to Semporna revealed multiple issues, from poor road conditions within the district council area to clogged drains that were left unattended. 'Jalan Masbah looks more like gravel than a paved road. Even the drains are clogged with grass cuttings and rubbish dumped by contractors,' he said. He added that neither the district council nor the local engineer could give a clear answer about who is responsible for the upkeep of basic infrastructure. Dr Jaujan also used the opportunity to question the State Government's broader planning approach, pointing to the RM1.18 billion being requested under the Supplementary Supply Bill 2025, on top of the RM6 billion already approved. 'This supplementary request is among the largest we've seen. It makes me think the original budget wasn't planned carefully. 'It looked more like an estimate than a detailed financial plan,' he said, adding that while the opposition supports what is necessary, there must be accountability. 'We're not here to oppose everything. But it must really match what the people need,' he said. He also questioned whether the State could implement the additional budget effectively, given that the year is already halfway through. 'It's already July. By the time projects start, it will be October or November. Can these funds even be spent properly?' he asked. He demanded clarity on how much of the initial RM6 billion has been used and pointed to the Rumah Mesra SMJ housing project as an example where updates are unclear. 'People are asking what's been completed. Inside and outside the DUN, everyone is asking. 'We, too, need answers so we can explain why things haven't improved in five years,' Jaujan said. He warned that continuing to pass large budgets without delivery would reflect badly not only on the government but also on elected representatives. 'This budget looks more like supply than development. No problem supporting it, but we must make sure it leads to visible outcomes,' he said. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
5 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Express
Cut red tapes on disaster funds
Published on: Wednesday, July 09, 2025 Published on: Wed, Jul 09, 2025 By: Sherell Jeffrey Text Size: Dr Yusof noted that Sabah has the financial muscle to implement these changes, pointing to the State's substantial reserves of RM8.6 billion. Kota Kinabalu: Sindumin Assemblyman Datuk Dr Yusof Yacob wants district offices to have direct access to emergency funds instead of waiting for approval from State headquarters that sometimes arrives over a year too late. 'It is frustrating how disaster victims have to wait months, sometimes over a year, before receiving help,' he said when debating the Supplementary Supply Bill 2025, Monday. He said under the existing system, when floods damage roads and drains or fires destroy homes, victims must endure lengthy waits while paperwork slowly moves through government channels. 'Experience tells us that in the districts, it is quite slow to provide services to people affected by disasters. They have to wait. 'For example, flood aid. We report it, list the names of disaster victims and it should take only two or three days during the disaster for people to receive help. 'The reality, however, is far different. In many cases, the flood has passed and the dry season comes, then floods return, but aid has not reached the people yet,' he said. He said from his experience, there were those in Sipitang whose houses were damaged by strong winds but they only receive disaster aid after more than a year. 'There is no point in approving aid contributions if the time gap for them to receive it is more than a year. They might even forget sometimes whether the aid exists or not,' he said. He proposed that each district be given at least half a million ringgit in emergency funds that can be used immediately when disasters strike. 'I suggest that special funds for emergency cases should be decided at the District Office level only. Money should be channelled to District Offices as district emergency funds according to the category of districts that frequently experience disasters. 'When accidents, floods or any other disasters happen, the district disaster committee can meet and use the available money to spend immediately. We give the mandate to the District Office,' he said. He said the funding allocation must be strategic, with amounts varying based on each district's disaster risk. 'Priority should be given to districts prone to disasters, such as Beaufort which is faced with floods every year,' he said. He also pointed to areas prone to landslides, such as roads from Keningau to Kota Kinabalu or Ranau to Kota Kinabalu. Dr Yusof noted that Sabah has the financial muscle to implement these changes, pointing to the State's substantial reserves of RM8.6 billion. 'What is the point of keeping that money? Some people also say, why keep so much money when the people are suffering? We should use that money and give it back to the people. 'There is no point in talking about huge funds and reserves, there is nothing to shout about when the people are suffering,' he said. 'This supplementary allocation is legally valid and this need is indeed required in our State,' he said, expressing support for the State's supplementary budget which includes additional allocations for disaster relief and infrastructure repairs. Additionally, he spoke about his constituency's strategic importance and untapped potential, particularly with the upcoming Visit Malaysia Year and the impact of the Sipitang Oil and Gas Industrial Park project. 'To enter Sabah, you must pass through Sindumin. Neighbouring Labuan, there are boats from Labuan, there are also roads. Sabahans going to Sarawak and Brunei will pass through Sipitang,' he said, noting the area's strategic location. He also proposed preserving the old British District Office building in Pekan Sipitang as a tourist attraction. 'This building can be converted into a Tourist Information Centre. Anyone who has been to Sipitang, there is an ugly building in the middle of Pekan Sipitang. I asked that it be maintained in its original form, to be made into a Tourist Information gallery,' he said. He said Sipitang has tourism potential with 10 Community Based Tourism sites, the popular Meligan Villa Resort and Long Pasia, though local entrepreneurs need government support for infrastructure development like roads, halls and jetties. 'I ask agencies and government departments to implement what has been approved quickly so that people can feel it. It is already July. If possible, what we approve should be spent immediately. 'What is important and certain is that this money is for the people, this is all for the people's welfare,' he said. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
