Parti Warisan Sabah vice president Datuk Junz Wong said that the federal allocation for DBKL was RM2.89bil, compared to Sabah, which only got RM5bil.

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah feels it has been shortchanged by the federal government over its development allocation for the state in Budget 2019, when compared to that given to Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur.

Parti Warisan Sabah vice president Datuk Junz Wong aid that the federal allocation for DBKL was RM2.89bil, compared to Sabah, which only got RM5bil.

"DBKL alone almost got two-thirds of the figure allocated for Sabah," said Wong, who is also state Agriculture and Food Industry Minister.

"Try to imagine that – the whole of Sabah was only allocated RM5bil, while DBKL alone has been allocated RM2.89bil for its development in 2019. Does it reflect the importance and status of Sabah?" Wong asked.

Wong said that Sabah, as an equal partner of the federation, deserved better treatment from the federal government.

He said Kota Kinabalu city itself needed upgraded facilities for its people and also tourists arriving in the state through the nation's second-busiest international airport here.

"Whatever programmes that are planned to be implemented, must be extended to Dewan Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu (DBKK) with allocations as well, because KK folks also face the same problems as KL.

"Traffic jams, poor aid, house repairs, drainage and road repairs, among others. Why is only DBKL allocated such a budget and DBKK is being marginalised?" Wong asked.

He hoped that the Pakatan Harapan government would increase its allocation to Sabah, while also increasing the oil and gas royalties to the state.

"Sabahans are look to the new federal government to do better and walk the talk on implementing fair policies and to include Sabah in national development plans," he said.

He also said that the there was an urgency to restore the Malaysia Agreement 1963, as it would help bring about greater autonomy and economic sustainability for the state.- thestar