Sabah Budget 2026 inadequate to solve infrastructure woes, says Tamparuli rep
by Jegathisan Sivanesan · Borneo Post OnlineKOTA KINABALU (Dec 15): Tamparuli assemblyman Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau said the Sabah Budget 2026 is insufficient to tackle the state’s chronic infrastructure problems, warning that without federal support it could take centuries to fully upgrade gravel roads.
Debating the budget in the State Legislative Assembly here Monday, he said the proposed development allocation of RM1.865 billion was inadequate to resolve persistent issues in water supply, electricity, roads and logistics, as well as to boost sustainable economic growth through manufacturing investment.
Madius highlighted that Sabah still has 4,355 kilometres (km) of gravel roads under the Public Works Department (JKR) that need upgrading, at an estimated cost of RM60 billion.
In Tuaran alone, about 126 km remain, requiring around RM500 million.
“If Sabah’s annual revenue remains at about RM6.43 billion and there is no specific allocation to upgrade JKR gravel roads, it will take another 200 years to complete them,” he said, urging the Rural and Regional Development Ministry (KKDW) to assist through the Rural Roads project.
Madius also warned that Sabah’s water situation is worsening, with the reserve margin for treated water at negative 11 per cent, forcing residents to endure frequent supply disruptions.
He cited the repeated closures of Telibong 1 water treatment plant, which has a capacity of 70 million litres per day, due to high ammonia levels from nearby poultry farms.
“Sabah cannot continue to face daily water shortages while key treatment plants remain closed,” he said.
Separately, he called on the federal government to “act in good faith” by withdrawing its appeal on Sabah’s 40 per cent revenue entitlement, saying that continued legal disputes undermine the sincerity of ongoing negotiations.
“Negotiations on Sabah’s 40 per cent revenue entitlement can only succeed if the federal government is genuinely sincere and withdraws its appeal.
“All the relevant provisions are already in the Federal Constitution, and there is no reason for continued legal action,” he said.
He urged the Sabah Government to make the withdrawal of the appeal a key condition in the ongoing discussions, stressing that only a fair and transparent resolution could address long-standing issues affecting water supply, infrastructure and economic development across the state.
Madius added that the appeal undermines previous judicial decisions and ongoing negotiations, noting that out of eight points in the federal government’s notice of appeal, six had no direct connection to the High Court’s written judgement.
He warned that unless the appeal is withdrawn, Sabah may have to pursue further legal action through a judicial review at the Court of Appeal to protect the state’s constitutional rights.
“Sabah cannot wait any longer. The people are suffering, and it is time for the federal government to respect the constitution and settle this once and for all,” he said.