Reforms crucial in addressing Sabah’s infrastructure problems, says minister

 Sabah and Sarawak affairs minister Mustapha Sakmud says roads, electricity and water supply remain the biggest concerns of Sabahans.

Sabah and Sarawak affairs minister Mustapha Sakmud said Putrajaya has channelled substantial allocations to develop Sabah.

PETALING JAYA:

 Infrastructure woes in Sabah can be resolved if reforms tackle the systemic issues plaguing project planning and delivery, says Sabah and Sarawak affairs minister Mustapha Sakmud.

The Sepanggar MP said several surveys found that issues involving roads, electricity and water supply remain Sabahans’ biggest concerns.

He said addressing these key issues is crucial, especially as the federal government has channelled substantial allocations to upgrade roads, electricity and water supply systems in the state.

“There are many leakages and other issues when these projects are implemented. This is what needs to be ‘reformed’,” he said in an interview with FMT.

“If we do not reform the way we think, plan, and implement projects, the same problems will persist. That eventually causes the people to feel disappointed.”

The “threefold problem” involving roads, electricity and water supply has frequently been raised in political campaigns, including during last year’s Sabah state election.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced development funds of RM6.9 billion for Sabah when tabling Budget 2026.

The government also set aside RM1.2 billion to ensure the sustainability of the state’s electricity supply. - FMT