Hajiji (standing, center) and other guests pose with recipients of the Class B2 Probationary Motorcycle Driving Licenses (PDL) at the closing ceremony of the MyLesen Madani 2024 Programme for Sabah, held at Dewan Seri Sulaman, on Saturday.
TUARAN (Nov 23): The Sabah State Government has successfully introduced numerous positive changes in the economy and various aspects of development over the past four years.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor stated that Sabah has secured a greater role in the development of the oil and gas industry within the state.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the MyLesen Madani 2024 Programme for Sabah, held at Dewan Seri Sulaman on Saturday, Hajiji highlighted the government’s commitment to exploring new resources alongside existing economic drivers to ensure consistent economic growth year after year.
“However, all these efforts require continuous support from all parties, especially the people, for us to develop this state further,” he said.
Hajiji also pointed out that the State Government’s numerous initiatives to assist the people, particularly the B40 group, in improving their economic status and access to education. This aligns with the government’s commitment to eradicating poverty, particularly hardcore poor, which remains a key agenda.
The government has adopted aggressive measures, including offering job opportunities to the heads or members of households in this group. These ongoing initiatives involve collaboration between several government agencies and the private sector, coordinated by the Sabah Maju Jaya Secretariat.
To further support poverty eradication, the state government aims to construct 3,000 units of SMJ-Friendly Homes across all 73 State Assembly constituencies next year, with an allocation of RM250 million.
For human capital development, the State Government has doubled the allocation for the Sabah State Government Scholarship (BKNS), raising it to RM127 million, compared to the previous RM50 million.
“This increase will undoubtedly help more eligible Sabahan students who require financial assistance to pursue higher education,” Hajiji added.
The government remains committed to addressing the needs of the people, whether in urban or rural areas. Collaboration between the state and federal governments has resulted in various initiatives, including improving transportation access.
The MyLesen Madani 2024 programme is a testament to this collaboration, aimed at helping the B40 group obtain driving licenses in Sabah. This year, 3,110 quotas were allocated under the programme in Sabah, a significant increase from the 500 quotas in 2023.
The programme for the Tuaran district encompasses four constituencies namely Sulaman, Pantai Dalit, Tamparuli and Kiulu, benefiting 500 participants.
Hajiji also said that the programme plays a vital role in increasing driving license ownership among Sabahans, especially those in the B40 group.
“This is a noble government initiative to empower low-income groups with better mobility, enabling them to access greater opportunities in employment, education, and the economy, particularly in rural areas,” he said.
The Chief Minister also expressed his hope that the programme would instill discipline among the participants, encouraging them to prioritize road safety and adopt responsible driving practices.
By promoting safety and mobility, these initiatives aim to strengthen the socioeconomic fabric of Sabah and improve the quality of life for all its citizens.
