A TOTAL of RM150 million has been allocated to repair infrastructure and help the people affected by disasters, through the first supplementary supply bill 2022, passed by the Sabah assembly today.

Sabah Second Finance Minister Masidi Manjun said the amount was 21.72% of the total allocation of RM688 million.

“Heavy rains followed by floods are becoming more frequent in several districts in the state, causing damage to infrastructure such as roads and bridges. Floods also caused river banks to collapse, and loss and damage to property.

“The government takes this problem seriously and focuses on repairing and helping the people affected by the disaster,” he said when tabling the bill.

Masidi, the state local government and housing minister, said RM262 million was channelled to the state Finance Ministry in addition to the Statutory Fund to reduce the development deficit and contributions to the Trust Fund.

He said RM65.3 million was allocated for the state’s water supply needs, RM58.9 million for the administration, management and maintenance of government buildings, while the remainder was distributed for the use of ministries and departments.

The sitting continues tomorrow. – Bernama, July 18, 2022.