Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor has pushed back against opposition claims that the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) and Pakatan Harapan (PH) Plus administration has failed to deliver development to the state.

Hajiji said his government has been actively working to tackle the “three-fold legacy issue” — water, electricity, and roads — inherited from past state governments aside from unveiling various initiatives to assist the people in Sabah. 

Speaking at the full district upgrade ceremony for Sook on Monday, Hajiji described opposition accusations as mere attempts to deny real progress under his administration. 

“However, we are not staying silent. We continue to work for the development of the state and the welfare of the people,” he said during his working visit in Sook, Keningau.

He pointed to 13 major water supply projects underway, including upgrades in Tawau, Kundasang, Semporna, and Lahad Datu.

Phase 1A of the Pan Borneo Highway is now more than 81% complete, Hajiji added.

He said electricity supply issues are also being addressed, with the Ulu Padas Hydroelectric Project and nearly 1,000MW in new generation capacity approved.

“These projects are part of a long-term, sustainable strategy for Sabah’s future,” Hajiji said.

Welfare and education programmes have also been expanded, he said, including cash aid and subsidies for students from lower-income families.

The new Sentuhan Kasih Rakyat (SYUKUR) programme will deliver RM300 monthly to about 100,000 poor households this year.

The government has committed RM250 million to build 3,000 Rumah Mesra SMJ homes across Sabah in 2025.

In Sook, major infrastructure projects include two paved road developments worth nearly RM450 million.

Hajiji said four new schools and upgraded healthcare facilities are also under construction.

An allocation of RM6.4 million has been set aside to build 80 new SMJ homes in Sook this year.

Since 2022, 120 Sook residents have benefited from SMJ housing valued at RM9.6 million.

Plans for Sook include a new sports complex, district hospital, expanded health clinics, and a district police station.

“The development we are bringing reflects the government’s commitment to a more advanced and equitable Sabah,” Hajiji said.

He also approved RM2 million for a new open hall and to upgrade the Sook District Office. – April 28, 2025