KOTA KINABALU – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has arrived in Sabah for a two-day programme aimed at strengthening ties with local communities and reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to the state’s development.
The Prime Minister’s aircraft landed at Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) on Saturday afternoon, marking the start of a packed schedule that includes youth dialogues, community outreach, and meetings with various groups across the city and surrounding districts.
Among the highlights of the visit is the Dialog Anak Muda Bersama PM at the International Technology and Commercial Centre (ITCC) in Penampang, where Anwar is expected to interact directly with young Sabahans.
He will also attend the Ziarah Kasih programme in Kampung Duvanson, Putatan, and meet victims of the recent fire in Kampung Petagas.
In the evening, Anwar is scheduled to join the Kota Kinabalu Chinese community for a dinner event, followed by a series of talks under the banner Ceramah Perdana PM Sayang Sabah, which will take place at several venues including the Putera Ballroom in Kampung Padang and Pan Borneo Hotel.
On Sunday, the Prime Minister is expected to continue his outreach with a meet-and-greet session with Tulid community leaders and residents in Kampung Menawo Ulu Sook, underscoring his pledge to listen to the concerns of Sabahans from different walks of life.
Speaking ahead of the programmes, Anwar emphasised the importance of connecting with the people: “Arrived in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah to attend a series of programmes arranged over two days, as an effort to get closer to people from different walks of life and understand the true pulse of society. May all planning be simplified and bring benefits to the people of Sabah which is always our priority.”
Beyond community engagement, Anwar reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to honouring Sabah’s constitutional rights, including the 40% revenue entitlement confirmed by the High Court.
He stressed that the government respects the ruling and is working with the Finance Ministry to finalise recalculations and technical matters.
Development remains a central theme of the visit. Anwar’s administration has pledged to address Sabah’s long-standing “AJK” issues – air (water), jalan (roads), and karan (electricity) – through major infrastructure projects such as the Pan Borneo Highway and the Ulu Padas Hydroelectric Dam.
He also highlighted that Sabah has received the highest development allocation among Malaysian states, with RM17.3 billion allocated in 2025 and RM17.6 billion for 2026.
The visit comes just weeks before the 17th Sabah State Election, making Anwar’s presence in Kota Kinabalu both politically significant and socially symbolic.
His engagements are seen as part of broader efforts to ensure that Sabah’s voices are heard and its development priorities addressed.
