By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, April 20: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has given his backing to Sarawak’s ambitious Gas Roadmap, which is expected to significantly boost the State’s economy over the next five years, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg revealed today.
He said Anwar had expressed the strong support when chairing the 2025 Special Sarawak Development Meeting in Kuching yesterday (April 19), particularly for Sarawak’s commitment to using its own resources to fund infrastructure development.
“I thank the Prime Minister for agreeing to our proposal to develop the Sarawak Gas Roadmap, which will have a major economic impact in the coming five years.
“He noted that whenever we have funds, we channel them back to the people. According to him, what is happening now is that the Sarawak government has implemented sound projects and is on the right track, using our own funds to develop road infrastructure, water supply, and electricity.
“This has been agreed upon by him,” Abang Johari told reporters after attending a programme at Kota Samarahan Civic Centre today. An audio recording of the doorstep interview was made available to DayakDaily afterwards.
Among other key topics discussed were the development of the Sarawak Cancer Centre and financial support for infrastructure development through the Development Bank of Sarawak (DBOS).
“The prime minister has offered incentives to assist the bank in financing infrastructure development projects,” he added.
Abang Johari also provided updates on major infrastructure plans in the pipeline, including a proposed deep sea port and an airport in Tanjung Embang, near Kuching.
“We didn’t go into details, but I did inform the prime minister about our plans to develop a gas terminal and a deep sea port about 8km offshore, alongside a new airport in Tanjung Embang.
“These projects will have a big impact, especially for Samarahan, Asajaya, and the coastal areas,” he pointed out.
Although federal co-funding for these projects was not discussed in depth, Abang Johari affirmed Sarawak’s readiness to proceed using its own capital.
“If the federal government wants to assist, we will welcome it with open arms. But our plans are already in motion using our own resources,” he said.
He also revealed that the design for the projects, particularly the airport and port, is already in its final stages, with only minor adjustments being made to suit on-the-ground conditions. – DayakDaily
