KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah government is continuing to address the critical issues of water and electricity supply in the state, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
This effort is not only crucial to spur the state's economy but also to uplift the welfare and well-being of the people, he said.
He stated the government's seriousness is reflected in the largest 2024 State Budget, amounting to RM2.63 billion, with RM1.72 billion allocated to the state Works Ministry and its departments.
The government is addressing public concerns about infrastructure facilities and basic amenities, including roads, bridges, slopes, drainage, sewerage services, railways, ports and wharves, traffic management, government buildings, and others, he said.
"Therefore, cooperation between the state government and engineers in every development planning is crucial in meeting the required standards to drive economic growth.
"This is also in line with the state government's commitment to completing the Pan Borneo Highway project," he said at the 46th annual dinner of the Institution of Malaysian Engineers (IEM) Sabah Branch yesterday.
Hajiji noted that the engineering profession has made a significant contribution to nation-building and improving the people's quality of life.
The Sabah Maju Jaya Development Plan (SMJ) also requires the cooperation of engineers, who need to adapt to technological developments, he said.
"The adaptation is crucial to attract more investors, thereby opening up job opportunities and facilitating the sharing of knowledge and experience from foreign countries with this state," he said.
He also emphasised that the state's development efforts should not damage existing resources.
Hajiji also urged IEM to continue promoting engineering practices to attract more young people to enter the field, producing Sabahans capable of competing on the world stage.