Its President, Datuk Joseph Pairin Kitingan, however, stressed that PBS hoped to see rural areas not left behind in terms of development.

PBS was also glad that the Budget gave emphasis to the tourism industry apart from agriculture, among others, in the bid to boost the State economy.

Musa in his Budget speech stated that the State and Federal governments would continue to spur active participation and initiative from the private sector as well as government agencies in developing new tourism products.

This, Musa said, was reflected by the approval of RM70.7 million from the special tourism fund and tourism infrastructure fund to eight tour operators from Sabah under the economic stimulus package in May this year.

“We feel that tourism is among the industries in the State that must be given top priority as it has huge potential to generate the State and people’s economy to a higher level,” said Pairin when met later.

The former Chief Minister said this meant that the State Government must work harder towards improving the sector by getting the participation of the local people, thereby helping to lift their socio-economy.

Pairin also noted that Musa had underlined several measures to balance the Budget in the future.

“This is important and PBS has a vital role to play to assist in ensuring that the delivery system will be more effective across the board,” he said.