Anwar speaking to Pairin (right) while Hajiji (left) looks on Hongkod Koisaan KDCA Hall.- Pix by Information Department
KOTA KINABALU : Solar-powered streetlights will be installed in nearly all villages and rural areas in Sabah starting this year.
The announcement was made by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as part of the federal government’s immediate efforts to expand basic amenities for rural communities.
He stated that this measure was implemented after discovering that previous proposals involved excessively high costs.
Now, the government has successfully formulated a more practical and feasible plan to be carried out in phases using solar technology.
“We are starting in Sabah. Almost all villages will have solar-powered streetlights this year. They are affordable yet bright, and I have approved the necessary allocation,” he said during his speech at the official opening of the 2025 Sabah State-Level Kaamatan Festival Celebration at the Hongkod Koisaan Hall (KDCA) on Friday.
In his address, Anwar emphasized the importance of close cooperation between the state and federal governments, stating that Sabah’s demands are now being heard directly in national development meetings such as the Thirteenth Malaysia Plan.
This new approach reflects a major shift in development policy formulation, which is no longer entirely decided at the federal ministry level without direct consideration of state needs.
“That is why, if we want Sabah to progress, there must be a spirit to build Sabah’s strength and do this together with a sense of unity within one nation,” he said.
He also assured that the Federal Government is ready to discuss revenue-sharing matters with the Sabah State Government, as previously agreed with Sarawak, including oil and gas issues.
“I have no problem prioritizing revenue for Sabah, but let the negotiations be conducted harmoniously, not through shouting and cursing. I suggest working together with the State Government and cooperating with the Federal Government so that the benefits reach the people,” he added.
Anwar also praised the spirit of unity among Sabah’s diverse ethnic groups and the role of the Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) in preserving the heritage and noble values of the local community.
Also present were Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor, Deputy Chief Ministers Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Joachim Gunsalam and Datuk Ir. Shahelmey Yahya and KDCA President Huguan Siou Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan.
