KOTA KINABALU: Infrastructure and healthcare development in Sabah should be a priority under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP), says the Sabah Smart Consumers Association.

       Its president David Chan (pic) said the 12MP commitment to focus on less-developed states such as Sabah and Sarawak would help speed up overall development which lags behind advancements on the peninsula.

       "It will be a catalyst for the progress and development of the state," he said on Thursday (Sept 30).

       "We really hope we do not continue to be left behind in enjoying the same progress as other states in terms of infrastructure such as electricity, clean water supply, broadband Internet access, roads, education infrastructure, health and so on," he said.

       Chua said it would be allocation that drives development and progress in Sabah.

       In the 12MP tabled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, among other allocations provided was RM9.13bil for development purposes in Sabah and Sarawak.

       Chua said the association hoped that part of this allocation would be used to improve healthcare facilities, especially to build new clinics in Penampang and Beaufort which were seen to be in dire need of improvement, apart from building new blood bank centres.

       “I also hope there will be careful monitoring, including by non-governmental organisations, in ensuring that all 12MP plans in Sabah will be successful.

       "The Federal Government must emphasise fair treatment for Sabah in formulating and planning the 12MP by channelling the allocation of financial resources equitably in developing the state," he said.

       He added that the focus should be on efforts to reduce the gap between Peninsular Malaysia, which is an issue among the people of Sabah and Sarawak.

       “We want the Malaysian Family slogan to be truly realised by the Prime Minister so that the people of Sabah do not feel excluded from the allocation and assistance for development and progress," he added.