By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Jan 14: The visionary and transformative leadership style of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg will get Sarawak closer to becoming a developed State within the next 10 years.
In a statement today in conjunction with Abang Johari’s eighth year in office, Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Datuk Snowdan Lawan said a clear direction has been set by the Premier, who is inviting all Sarawakians to help make the State more prosperous.
“The groundwork, which is taking care of (the) State’s economy has been fruitful thus far, resultant from the revenue re-engineering strategies initiated by the Premier himself.
“The first hurdle which is to be a high-income State by 2030 with a gross national income (GNI) of US$13,205 per capita in 2022 (maintained in 2023 with USD16,650) and was achieved seven years ahead of schedule and endorsed by the World Bank last year ahead of the projected target by 2030,” he said.
Snowdan added that this is expected to increase in the coming years through the State Sales Tax (SST) on the State’s petroleum products, inland collection, export earnings, tourism receivables, and Petros’ projected income as the State’s sole gas aggregator.
He also said Sarawak’s trade embassies, such as the Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office Singapore (STATOS) and Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office Brunei (STATOB), are good examples of using commercial hubs to enhance bilateral and inter-trade transactions.
Snowdan then added that ongoing initiatives like the hydrogen economy are expected to boost the State’s coffers, and infrastructure development will accelerate the movement of goods and ease business activities.
“The establishment of international schools will mitigate the needs for demand of professionals such as engineers, valuers, IT specialists, skilled labourers, and other vocational expertise needed in certain specific industries such construction, aviation, agriculture, semiconductors, oil and gas, digital economy or even automotive industry,” he said.
He added that plans to build a new deep sea port and airport which require an injection of billions of investment are bold moves to spearhead Sarawak’s economic growth, as well as the acquisition of an airline and commercial bank.
“Furthermore, initiatives such as Sarawakku Sayang Special Assistance (BKSS) and the upcoming Sarawak Basic Necessities Assistance (SKAS) are meant to assist the people in curbing rising prices and putting food on the tables.
“Not only that, but the Unit For Other Religions (UNIFOR), another fine initiative by the State, has been detrimental in enhancing unity throughout the diverse society in Sarawak.
“With all these initiatives and plans, I urge all Sarawakians to give our continued and full support to this remarkable leadership shown by our Premier. The initiatives had shown success stories for the state over a short period of eight years.
“Let us consolidate our efforts together and make our dream come true—becoming a developed State and simultaneously alleviate poverty to the barest minimum much sooner,” he said. — DayakDaily
