By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Oct 12: Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has expressed hope for more allocations for Sarawak in the 2024 National Budget set to be presented in Parliament tomorrow (Oct 13).
He emphasised the necessity for increased allocations to Sarawak, stating, “Sarawak unquestionably requires a more substantial budget. That’s our expectation.”
Abang Johari made these remarks during a doorstep interview after officiating at the inauguration ceremony for Taiyo Yuden (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd’s new factory at Sama Jaya High Tech Park here today.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is set to unveil the national budget tomorrow, which he has indicated will provide further clarity on the government’s proposed targeted subsidies, taxation and strategies to increase the government’s revenue.
It was also reported that Anwar promised that the 2024 National Budget will be a balance between the need to rationalise government subsidies and alleviate the burdens of the poor and even the middle income (M40) group.
Abang Johari pointed towards the large-scale, high-yield paddy cultivation projects to be developed in four identified sites in Sarawak, with each plantation expected to incur high costs on establishing the drainage and irrigation systems.
It was previously reported that the Banting site in Sri Aman, for instance, is projected to necessitate an investment of approximately RM1 billion solely for the drainage and irrigation infrastructure.
“If we want to become the major rice producer, the infrastructure must be in place and ready. Should Malaysia aspires to achieve self-sufficiency in rice, Sarawak has the land as well as hybrid paddy species, they need to help us, especially in terms of infrastructure,” he pointed out.
The Sarawak government has clearly indicated to the Federal government that federal funding is essential to support its paddy cultivation efforts, that would benefit not only Sarawak but also the entire nation. — DayakDaily
