Written By : Sandru
PETALING JAYA: The federal government this evening said it was setting aside RM4.66 billion and RM4.47 billion, respectively, for Sabah and Sarawak.
In announcing the allocation, Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the money would be channelled through development funds under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP), which will be tabled in Parliament later this month.
“The allocation is among the highest that the government has set aside when compared to other states.
“This is proof of the government’s commitment to increase economic development and improve the well-being of Sabahans and Sarawakians,” he said in his speech to commemorate Malaysia Day.
Also present were Sabah chief minister Hajiji Noor and Sarawak deputy chief minister Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.
Ismail also said that the National Digital Network (Jendela) initiative will be expanded as the government understands the need for better connectivity.
Jendela, a five-year digital infrastructure plan, is an initiative under the 12MP to improve digital connectivity and prepare the nation for a gradual transition to 5G technology.
A total of RM7.7 billion had been allocated for East Malaysia for this purpose, he said.
“This is my promise, the government is committed to improving the broadband service in these two states.
“No one will be left behind. Everyone will have access to the digital world and everyone must be connected.”
Ismail expressed hope that once this initiative was completed, there would be no more stories of Malaysians having to climb trees for better connectivity, alluding to Sabahan Veveonah Mosibin.
Veveonah last year posted a video on YouTube about her spending 24 hours up on a tree in the jungle in order to get the best internet connection so that she could sit for her exams online.
On a separate matter, Ismail also promised that the government would continue to address matters pertaining to Sabah and Sarawak’s rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
He said this would be done through the MA63 special council which he chairs as well as the chief ministers of Sabah and Sarawak.
