Low Spending Performance in Sabah and Sarawak
RM6.67 Billion and RM5.81 Billion Allocation Under RP4 12MP
As of October, Sabah and Sarawak recorded low spending performance compared to their allocation under the Fourth Rolling Plan (RP4) of the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP). Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa revealed that Sabah’s spending performance stood at 46.7%, while Sarawak’s was at 54.43%.
Highest Number of Projects in Sabah and Sarawak
Both Sabah and Sarawak registered the highest number of projects with 1,244 and 1,124 programmes, respectively, compared to Perlis, which only had 172. This is despite the low spending performance.
Improvement in Project Implementation Procedures
Dr Zaliha said steps have been taken to improve the implementation procedures of development projects in Sabah and Sarawak. This includes recognising the Public Works Department and the Irrigation and Drainage Department in both states as Technical Departments. Such recognition enables both departments to administer projects worth RM50 million and below under Treasury Directive (AP) 182, which has been in effect since March 1, 2023.
Spending Performance in Peninsula States
In the peninsula, Kedah recorded the lowest spending performance, at a rate of 53.43%. Pahang recorded the highest spending performance of 74.65%, followed by Melaka at 74.27% despite having the lowest allocation of RM927 million, while Terengganu was in third place at 72.39%.
Total Allocation and Spending Performance
Out of the total allocation of RM90 billion under RP4 12MP, the Federal Territories received RM23.61 billion, the second highest after the ‘Various States’ category, which received RM30.21 billion. The ‘Various States’ category includes development projects involving two or more states, such as highway alignment and cross-state water transfer projects. The Federal Territory’s expenditure was RM16.39 billion, with a spending performance of 69.40%, above the overall performance of 65.83%.
Conclusion
The low spending performance in Sabah and Sarawak is a concern, and steps need to be taken to improve the implementation procedures of development projects in these states. The recognition of the Public Works Department and the Irrigation and Drainage Department as Technical Departments is a positive step in this direction. However, more needs to be done to ensure that the allocation is utilized effectively and efficiently.
FAQs
Q: What is the total allocation under RP4 12MP?
A: The total allocation under RP4 12MP is RM90 billion.
Q: What is the spending performance of Sabah and Sarawak?
A: Sabah’s spending performance is 46.7%, while Sarawak’s is 54.43%.
Q: What is the recognition of the Public Works Department and the Irrigation and Drainage Department as Technical Departments?
A: Such recognition enables both departments to administer projects worth RM50 million and below under Treasury Directive (AP) 182.
Q: What is the ‘Various States’ category?
A: The ‘Various States’ category includes development projects involving two or more states, such as highway alignment and cross-state water transfer projects.