KOTA KINABALU: Several task forces have been set up to ensure the smooth implementation of state projects, said Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Shahelmey Yahya.
Yesterday (Oct 19), Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim urged the Sabah government to make good use of the funds provided and ensure the completion of infrastructure projects.
Anwar, who is finance minister, announced in the 2025 Budget that the Pan Borneo Highway in Sabah will receive 17 new work packages under Phase 1B, with a contract value of RM9.7 billion.
As for the Sabah-Sarawak Link Road (SSLR) project, the government has finalised four work packages under Phase 2 of the SSLR project, valued at RM7.4 billion.
"In principle, I support the announcement of the budget. However, what we want to emphasise here is from an implementation point of view," said Shahelmey.
"Every year, we hear about the budget announcement. However, at the end of the year, the funds that have been allocated cannot be fully spent.
"We must ensure the smooth implementation of projects so that the budget allocations can be used optimally," he told the media after visiting the Kampung Sembulan settlement here.
The state works minister also said several factors could lead to delays.
"For example, in a development, there are issues of land acquisition and utility transfer. These need to be addressed and solved at the initial stages.
"Most importantly, there should be cooperation between the government officials at the state and national levels.
"We seek the cooperation of all government officials to carry out their duties efficiently."
Earlier, Shahelmey, who is Putatan member of parliament and Tanjung Keramat assemblyman, said the local authority would postpone the eviction process involved in the reconstruction of Kampung Sembulan here.
"Our government is concerned about the people's issues. We will not take drastic action to demolish houses or let the residents lose their homes.
"The government, through the Kota Kinabalu City Hall and several agencies, is planning a formula where the people will get proper housing if the reconstruction project were to proceed."