By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, April 28: The Sarawak government continues to move forward with the implementation of mega development projects guided by robust and strategic financial planning despite pessimistic views from external parties, says Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
In a Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS) report, he said that the State government has carried out thorough planning before embarking on any development initiatives.
“The Sarawak government knows what is being done. Before launching any project, we have made careful calculations, including in terms of infrastructure, financing, and manpower,” he said at the Affin Bank Aidilfitri Celebration at a leading hotel here on Sunday (Apr 27).
The Premier added that in the first five years, the focus was on building basic infrastructure such as roads and bridges, and increasing water and power supply to rural areas, financed using the State’s own funds, with expenditure totalling RM36 billion to date.
Adding on, he said Sarawak’s increasing revenue has enabled the State to confidently make strategic investments, such as in Affin Bank, while strengthening its financial standing through the establishment of a sovereign wealth fund, which now exceeds RM8 billion.
Abang Johari further explained that all mega projects, such as the development of a deep-sea port, a new international airport, as well as gas and hydrogen-based industries, are planned by considering long implementation periods, lead times, and the simultaneous need to develop local manpower.
“These mega projects require seven to 10 years to be fully implemented. Therefore, we have prepared long-term financial plans, including repayment plans based on the amortisation system, to ensure Sarawak’s economic stability,” he added.
Meanwhile, he urged Sarawakians to remain optimistic about the State’s future and not be influenced by pessimistic external views.
“The Sarawak government will not launch any project without considering the entire economic ecosystem, including infrastructure, financing, manpower and future growth,” he said.
Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas; Minister for Women, Early Childhood, and Community Wellbeing Development Sarawak, Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah; Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Sarawak, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah; Deputy Sarawak Secretary (Economic Planning and Development), Dato Sri Dr Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel; Affin Bank Berhad chairman, Dato’ Agil Natt; and Affin Islamic Bank Berhad chairman, Musa Abdul Malek, were among those present. — DayakDaily
