Six selected targets to advance infrastructure in Sabah and Sarawak was outlined in the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) as these play an important role in effecting socioeconomic development in both states.
According to the 12MP document released by the Economic Planning Unit (EPU) on September 27, the government aims to implement the following projects.
One is to increase access to clean and safe water by 98 percent by building new dams, off-river storage, water treatment plants and sewage treatment in addition to allocating funds for the Non-Revenue Water Reduction Programme to reduce water loss.
Next, the government plans to construct and upgrade rural paved roads stretching approximately 700 km.
Meanwhile, digital infrastructure at 382 new sites in Sabah and 636 in Sarawak under the National Digital Network Plan (Jendela) will be underway to provide broadband connectivity in schools and surrounding areas.
The document states that it plans to build another 500 KiloVolt (kV) transmission line as the second main transmission backbone in Sarawak and provide new power stations as well as upgrade the Sabah East-West Grid and start initial work for the Southern Link transmission network project.
Also, the document unveils plans to improve public transport and logistics services, including ports and airports, as efficient transport connectivity will lubricate the movement of people and goods, as well as attract higher investments.
