KOTA KINABALU - The Sabah Government has set aside RM173.56 million under the 2026 State Budget to enhance public welfare and overall wellbeing across the state.
State Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun said the allocation covers a wide range of needs, including social assistance, disaster relief, healthcare support, early childhood education and programmes for vulnerable groups such as Persons with Disabilities (PWD).
Of the total, RM26.06 million has been earmarked for the School Social Assistance Programme, which will benefit more than 227,000 students statewide through the provision of school uniforms, shoes and stationery.
A further RM71.29 million will be channelled into various welfare schemes, including assistance for PWDs, senior citizens, single mothers, orphans, as well as food aid for the destitute and poor.
Masidi said RM10.05 million has been allocated for disaster relief to support victims of fires, floods, landslides and other emergencies, while RM4.02 million will fund haemodialysis treatment for 2,182 kidney patients.
He added that RM670,000 has been provided to expand Sabah Autism Centres (Paus) in Tawau, Sandakan, Kudat and Beaufort, enabling the centres to offer quality early education for children with autism.
The newly introduced Kasih dan Kongsi Programme will receive RM500,000 to support early childhood development in rural areas, while the Homeward Programme will continue providing assistance to bedridden patients and PWDs.
In addition, RM3.2 million in grants will be extended to the Sabah Council of Social Service (MPMS) to enhance collaboration between communities and the government, including the implementation of initiatives such as the Healthy Breakfast Assistance Programme for 750 children.
Masidi said welfare initiatives also complement youth, women and sports development efforts by ensuring vulnerable groups are able to participate in training, education and sporting activities.
He noted that an additional RM4.37 million has been allocated for the operation and maintenance of old folks’ homes, Taman Didikan Kanak-Kanak Kurang Upaya and Welfare Offices across districts to ensure safe and conducive facilities.
Under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), a total ceiling of RM39.83 million has been approved for 12 projects, including the construction of a Taman Didikan Kanak-Kanak Kelainan Upaya in Nabawan District, with RM12.69 million allocated for both new and ongoing projects.
Meanwhile, RM960,000 has been set aside for awareness programmes focusing on family development, health, consumerism and women’s leadership, while RM550,000 will go to the Malaysian Anti-Drug Association (Pemadam) Sabah to continue prevention and awareness initiatives among students, youth and communities.
Masidi said the allocations under the 2026 State Budget reflect the government’s commitment to social protection, inclusivity and equal opportunities, while improving quality of life and supporting human capital and community development in Sabah.