CHIEF Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor confirmed that Sabah earned RM6.18 billion in revenue this year – testimony that the current Gabungan Rakyat Sabah-Barisan Nasional (GRS-BN) Government has been the best performance yet since independence through the formation of Malaysia in 1963.
Hajiji had earlier predicted the possibility but as it turned out, the amount exceeded the RM6bil target. He said this proved that the State has been well managed and efforts to collect taxable and non-taxable revenue and non-revenue receipts have been implemented successfully.
“With efficient administrative machinery in financial management, the State Government has also maintained the ‘Clean Bill’ for the State Government’s Financial Statements which has been recognised by the National Audit Department,” said Hajiji, who is also the Finance Minister, when winding up for the Finance Ministry at the State Legislative Assembly sitting in Kota Kinabalu on Dec 1.
He expressed utmost appreciation to all civil servants and parties involved directly or indirectly for the commitment and dedication that has been given so that the State Government managed to achieve excellent performance up to today.
“This is thanks to the State Government’s efforts that never give up to devise new strategies to increase revenue collection and ensure that the State’s revenue continues to be sustainable, even as the economic downturn hit the country,” he said.
The Chief Minister also touched on the successful signing of an agreement between the Sabah Oil & Gas Development Corporation (SOGDC) and Esteel Enterprise Pte Ltd (Esteel) from Singapore for the construction of an integrated Green Steel Industrial Park at the Sipitang Oil and Gas Industrial Park (Sogip) with an investment value of USD4.39 billion (RM 19.6 billion).
“This project involves three phases which start in the third quarter of 2023 and is expected to be completed in 2025. This includes the construction of various facilities such as iron concentration plant, pellet plant, jetty and support facilities.
“The spillover from this project is expected to produce offer jobs to 10,000 to 15,000 people during construction, while 1,752 to 5,455 jobs are expected when fully operational. This is an example of the success of the State Government which is serious and committed to empowering economic growth, thus opening up opportunities for all citizens and this effort will be increased,” said Hajiji who was also present to witness the signing.
— EDITOR