SABAH has allocated RM1.33 billion to improve infrastructure and amenities under the state government’s budget for 2018, Chief Minister Musa Aman said in the state assembly today.

Of this, RM287 million will be allocated to the Public Works Department to carry out various projects, RM37.5 million for the construction and upgrading of several state roads in Kota Kinabalu, Penampang and Inanam and another RM28 million will go towards upgrading works for roads in Tamparuli, Kota Belud and Ranau.

The allocation also include rectifying damaged sewerage lines near the Tawau central pump station, the construction of the Sungai Telangkai Bridge in Nabawan and a traffic feasibility study for Kota Kinabalu, Penampang, Putatan, Likas, Inanam and Sulaman.

“In resolving the shortage of clean water supply, some RM597 million will be allocated to the Infrastructure Development Ministry, with RM20 million to resolve unexpected water supply problems, RM48 million to build new treatment plants, water storage tanks and distribution pipes,” he said.

An additional RM5 million will be allocated by the ministry to upgrade the Kudat water supply system phase III, he added.

On transport infrastructure, RM42.5 million will be allocated to upgrade the services of the State Railway Department, while RM24.2 million will go towards improving the Ports and Harbour Department facilities, such as monitoring systems, construction of vessels and multi-purpose boats to support marine and harbour observation activities and hydrography measuring at the Semporna port.

Federal loans have also been obtained for certain water supply and transport infrastructure projects.

These include the Tawau water supply scheme phase III (RM470.4 million), RM429.2 million to increase the capacity of the Telibong water treatment plant, RM161.9 million to build the Kundasang water treatment plant and RM160 million to finance a new water treatment plant in Semporna.

The Semporna treatment plant is expected to be completed in 2019, Musa said.

The federal government will also fund RM49.6 million needed to upgrade of the Halogilat-Tenom tracks and RM46 million for the purchase of three more diesel multiple unit engines. – November 17, 2017.