KOTA KINABALU: Sabah's development needs will continue to get the Federal Government's attention, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

       According to a statement from the Chief Minister's Department, Ismail Sabri said people-centric projects would be given priority such as schools, infrastructure and amenities.

       He also told the state that consideration would be given to allocate more funds to Sabah, especially for flood-hit and high-risk areas including Penampang, which has been hit many times by flash floods and landslides.

       Ismail Sabri said this during a briefing after arriving in Sabah for a one-day official visit and to launch the Malaysia Day event at the Sabah International Convention Center (SICC) on Thursday (Sept 16) evening.

       Following the briefing, Ismail Sabri presented a mock cheque of RM18,241,250 as the federal government's contribution through the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) to the Chief Minister.

       Earlier, Ismail arrived at the Kota Kinabalu International Airport at about 11.10am.

       He was met on arrival by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, Deputy Chief Minister 1 Datuk Sri Bung Moktar Radin and Cabinet ministers.

       This marks Ismail Sabri's first visit to the state since taking office as Prime Minister on Aug 21.

       Accompanying him were Minister in the Prime Minister's Department for Sabah and Sarawak Affairs Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili, Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Annuar Musa and Agriculture and Food Industries Minister Datuk Ronald Kiandee.

       The Prime Minister later attended a state development briefing by state secretary Datuk Seri Safar Untong at Menara Kinabalu.