By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Aug 8: Sarawak civil servants are set to receive a two-month bonus, with Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg letting slip the announcement ahead of the Sarawak Budget.
He said the bonus was possible due to Sarawak’s stronger financial position, with the State’s revenue having doubled from about RM7 billion when he took over the administration to RM14 billion during the first phase of the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 from 2020 to 2025.
“With these funds, we can develop the State, including providing free education for our children. We can also increase the allowances for temenggongs, pemancas and counsellors, and civil servants can be given a two-month bonus.
“I am announcing this early. The Budget has not even been announced yet, but I have already announced it here in Sarikei. Insya-Allah, two months, because I dare say there are indications that our income this year, insya-Allah, will allow us to do so,” he said during the Sarawakku Sayang programme in Sarikei today, which was broadcast live by the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS).
Abang Johari further said the State’s improved financial position had enabled the Sarawak government to fund various development initiatives, including Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) for Sarawakian students, as well as increase allowances for community leaders and counsellors.
He also said the government had been able to provide various incentives to civil servants in recognition of their contribution to the State’s development.
“We work hard, the State becomes strong. If we do not work hard, the State will not be strong. Alhamdulillah, we are strong,” he said.
Abang Johari said Sarawak’s revenue had doubled over the first five years of PCDS 2030, providing a stronger financial foundation for the State to enter the second phase of its development strategy from 2026 onwards.
He said the State would continue investing in education and new fields of study to prepare Sarawakian youths for an economy increasingly driven by technology and digitalisation.
He said Sarawak had identified 64 degree programmes for its students, including fields related to science, mathematics, engineering and finance.
Also present were Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian; and Deputy Minister for Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment and Kuala Rajang assemblyman Datuk Len Talif Salleh. — DayakDaily
