Improving School Facilities
37. To further strengthen human capital development, the Government will provide a more conducive learning environment. For this, an allocation of RM1.95 billion is provided to build and improve facilities in 752 schools, particularly in rural areas as well as Sabah and Sarawak. A sum of RM300 million from this allocation will be used to improve facilities in government-aided religious schools, national-type Chinese and Tamil schools as well as mission schools.

Basic Amenities in Rural Areas
38. The Government will continue to ensure that the rakyat in rural areas enjoy adequate basic facilities, in particular electricity and water supply as well as rural roads. Towards this, an allocation of RM230 million will be provided to increase the coverage of electricity and water supply in rural areas, particularly in Sabah and Sarawak. Apart from this, an additional allocation of RM350 million will be provided for the construction of rural roads. This will increase economic activities through the participation of small contractors and local workers in rural areas. The Government will also provide allocation of RM500 million for PIA and PIAS projects, with emphasis on programmes in Sabah and Sarawak.

Programmes in Sabah and Sarawak
39. The Government will continue to focus on providing infrastructure and increasing economic activities in Sabah and Sarawak. For this purpose, a sum of RM1.2 billion will be allocated. Projects and programmes to be implemented in Sarawak include the expansion of Sibu Airport, deepening works at Miri Port, repair and improve infrastructure damaged by floods, upgrading of schools as well as construction of Lawas Training Centre, Kota Samarahan Industrial Estate and tourism facilities. In Sabah, among the main programmes and projects to be implemented include building of Giat Mara centres, Kota Kinabalu Electricity Transmission System, as well as upgrading of schools, roads and bridges. The Government will also take action to resolve issues related to health services in Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Sabah.