KOTA KINABALU, Feb 24 — Sabah has welcomed the first national budget under the unity government, hailing it as inclusive and reflective of the government’s effort to improve the country’s financial standing.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the Budget 2024 that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim tabled today had RM6.5 billion for Sabah, or 3.1 per cent more than the version the Ismail Sabri administration proposed last year.

"In addition, another RM2.5 billion is allocated for Sabah and Sarawak to implement public amenity projects such as roads, streetlights, electricity and water supply.

"We welcome the federal government’s commitment to expedite the more than 1,000km Pan Borneo Sabah - Sabah Sarawak Road Link project by allocating RM20 billion,” said Hajiji.

Hajiji also welcomed Anwar’s commitment to delegate the approval of federal projects below RM50 million to technical departments in Sabah and Sarawak.

On Anwar’s commitment to expedite the elimination of hardcore poor in the country through People’s Income Initiative (IPR) this year, Hajiji said it was a good move and at the same time hoped for an efficient implementation of the IPR so that it will reach its goal.

He also thanked Anwar for the RM1 billion allocation for Sabah and Sarawak that would include the construction of the Customs, Immigration, Quarantine and Security (CIQS) facility at the border town in Kalabakan in anticipation of the shifting of the Indonesian capital to Kalimantan.

"Nonetheless, Sabah will also continue to press for the construction of a similar facility at Bantul in Pensiangan,” he said.