Better future prospects for Interior under 9MP: Musa
Sabah Daily Express
Keningau: The 9th Malaysia Plan (9MP) promises better future prospects in terms of developments and progress for the Interior Division, particularly Keningau
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Making the pledge here, Saturday, Chief Minister Datuk Musa Haji Aman said the people, however, would need to support the Government’s efforts to accelerate economic growth for the State, that would provide mutual benefits. He was launching the Yayasan Sabah-meet-the-people session, at the community centre here, Saturday.
The ongoing development programmes in the Interior Division include a comprehensive road network linking Kota Kinabalu via Kimanis, Sipitang and Tawau.
Furthermore, the railway line between Tanjung Aru and Tenom would be upgraded at a cost of RM200 million to serve as an alernative and comfortable route for domestic and foreign tourists, as well as frequent travellers.
In addition, palm oil mills and oil palm plantations would be expanded to enable smallholders tap the lucrative market.
Musa, who is State Finance Minister, said the State Government had implemented some 80 per cent of the projects earmarked under the 8th Malaysia Plan, at a cost of RM12.6 billion, with more allocations coming under the 9MP.
On another note, he commended the people for having jealously guarded their cultures and traditions, saying that Sabah showed the path to harmonious living among the people of different races and religious beliefs.
Every community in Sabah shared the common goals of promoting unity, harmony and goodwill while, at the same time, support the Government development objectives to attain greater success of mutual interest, he said.
These include promotion of local folk art and handicraft, that had become a unique feature to Sabah among foreign visitors, he added.
He also assured that women folk had an important role in complementing the efforts of their male counterparts in nation-building, particularly in healthcare services and education in the rural areas.
At the same time, the State Government has also formed a sub-committee to look into the interest of the landless people, with a view to implement projects on a collective basis, such as factories and agriculture activities, he said.
In an earlier address, Yayasan Sabah Director Tan Sri Datu Khalil Datu Jamallul said the foundation had allocated funds to 3,983 students, while 1,148 parents had the opportunities to participate in various courses relating to handicraft, agriculture and household management.
In the Interior Division alone, the foundation had providing training in handicraft making to 298 people from 25 kampungs and seven districts, he added.
Among the 5,000 people attending the function were Assemblymen Datuk Sairin Karno (Liawan), Justin Guka (Bingkor), Tan Sri Joseph Kurup (Sook), Datuk Joseph Pairin Kitingan (Tambunan), Datuk Radin Malleh (Melalap), Bobbey Suan (Nabawan), Datuk Rubin Balang (Kemabong), Pensiangan MP Bernard Maraat, State Secretary KY Mustafa and
