Shafie hopes Budget 2019 prioritises development in Sabah

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal (pix) is hopeful that despite the current financial crunch, Budget 2019 would prioritise several development projects in the state.
He said the projects comprised those related to education, safety and basic infrastructure.
"Although the country is facing some financial constraints in the Budget this time, we hope that important projects will be taken into consideration," he told reporters after attending the inauguration of the special exhibitions titled 'Dirgahayu Tuan Yang Terutama' (Long Live Tuan Yang Terutama) and 'Sabah Retro Music from the 60s and 70s' by the Yang Dipertua Negri Tun Juhar Mahiruddin at the Sabah Museum here today.
In another development, Mohd Shafie said he wanted security to be enhanced, especially in the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom) area to prevent any kidnappings.
On Tuesday, online portal Marine Link posted a statement from a source in the Philippine Coast Guard, saying that a group of about 10 Abu Sayyaf members armed with pistols, rifles and grenade launchers was planning to conduct kidnapping activities at any opportune time in undisclosed areas in Sabah, primarily targeting businessmen or crew of foreign vessels passing through the area. — Bernama