Mohd Arifin said his ministry had been allocated RM257.44 million for 2026.
KOTA KINABALU (Dec 17): The Sabah government remains committed to strengthening agencies and departments under the Ministry of Local Government and Housing (KKTP), including the implementation of the Anti-Bribery Management System (ABMS), as part of broader efforts to enhance governance, transparency, and public well-being.
Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif said his ministry had been allocated RM257.44 million for 2026, an increase of 4.2 per cent from RM247.01 million in 2025, reflecting the state’s commitment to improving the quality of life and well-being of the people.
“This increase is in line with the need to enhance the quality of life and overall well-being of the people in Sabah, while ensuring development is implemented in a sustainable and people-centric manner,” he said in his winding-up speech at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN).
To drive physical development, Mohd Arifin said a total ceiling allocation of RM280.19 million under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) has been approved, covering 70 development projects — 24 ongoing projects and 46 new projects.
“These allocations are expected to help realise the aspirations of the Sabah Maju Jaya 2.0 development agenda in a comprehensive and effective manner,” he added.
Mohd Arifin stressed that the ministry is focused on empowering all agencies and departments under KKTP to ensure development that is holistic, sustainable, people-centric, and oriented towards well-being.
A key thrust of the ministry’s agenda is the comprehensive empowerment of local authorities (PBT), with emphasis on strengthening transparent, integrity-driven, and effective governance, he said.
Among the initiatives outlined is the Minister’s Kembara Jelajah tour to all 25 local authorities under KKTP.
In addition, all Sabah local authorities are targeted to achieve at least a three-star rating under the Local Authority Star Rating System (SPB-PBT) implemented by the federal Ministry of Housing and Local Government.
“As part of efforts to enhance integrity and accountability, the Anti-Bribery Management System will be implemented in selected local authorities,” he said, adding that improvements would also be made to the structure of enforcement officers and that a more comprehensive local authority staffing model would be developed.
Digital transformation is another priority, with nine selected local authorities set to implement the ePBT system through allocations from the federal ministry.
The ministry will also upgrade the E-Squatters Population Information System (eSP 2.0) to improve reporting and monitoring of squatter settlements at the district level.
A new online application system for the Urban Community Committee (JKDB), known as eJKDB, will also be rolled out and used by all local authorities.
On community well-being, Mohd Arifin said inclusivity, safety, and social cohesion would continue to be strengthened through community programmes in public housing (PPR) areas, including the continuation of the Ruang Komuniti programme funded by the federal government.
He added that local authorities would also be encouraged to explore new revenue sources in line with their functions as provided under the Local Government Ordinance 1961, to ensure long-term financial sustainability and improved service delivery.
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