By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, Nov 20: Sarawak is committed to pursuing inclusive economic growth, which is attested by a higher budget allocation for development purposes of RM9,038 million as compared to RM4,563 million for operating purposes next year, says Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
According to the Premier, it represents 66 per cent of the total proposed expenditure for 2024.
“I would now like to dwell on specific initiatives, programmes, and projects that would have a transformative impact on our economy and touch the lives and livelihood of our people.
“Among the major projects in the 2024 Budget are the RM550 million for implementation of Projek Rakyat; the RM420 million for Rural Transformation Programme (RTP); the RM200 million for Regional Development Agencies; and the RM260 million for Minor Rural Projects (MRPs),” he said when presenting the Supply (2024) Bill, 2023, also known as Sarawak Budget 2024, during the Second Meeting for the Second Term of the 19th Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN), at the DUN complex here today.
Abang Johari said that the projects are expected to generate significant economic multipliers for the State, create additional employment prospects for the local people and revitalise the construction and service sectors.
“With bigger allocation from the annual budget and other sources of funding, coupled with the continuous efforts of the government to ensure project completion and delivery, the State is expected to achieve an economic growth of between 5 per cent and 6 per cent next year,” he added.
On infrastructure, the Premier noted that under the 2024 State Budget, a sum of RM662 million will be provided for the implementation of various road and bridge projects.
The projects listed include the Design and Construction of Inner Ring Road in Kuching; the Jalan Pakan/Ulu Kota, Pakan, Sarikei (Phase III) and Replacement of Seven Temporary Bridges Under Phase 1 to Permanent RC Bridges; the Jalan Sg Bidut/Kpg Tutus/Kpg Sebedil/Kpg Bungan Kecil, Sibu; the Marudi Bridge Over Batang Baram, Miri; the Sg Limbang Bridge, Sg Bunut No 2 Bridge and connecting roads, Limbang; and various roads and bridges projects under Projek Rakyat.
“Under the Alternative Funding initiative, amongst the ongoing catalytic initiatives are the construction of the Coastal Road Network and the Second Trunk Road projects, with an estimated total cost of RM11 billion. Currently, the projects are at various stages of implementation.”
Meanwhile, on water and electricity supply, Abang Johari stated that RM156 million will be allocated in 2024 for the implementation of continuation and new water supply projects under the Mid-Term Review of 12th Malaysia Plan.
The projects listed include the Pembinaan Loji Salim Fasa III, Sibu; the Serian Regional Water Supply Phase II; the Construction of 1.35 ML Storage Pond, Intake Weir and Sump at Suai Water Treatment Plant; the Long Lama Water Supply – Phase III; the Construction of Sludge Treatment for Batu Kitang Plant in Kuching; and the Gerigat Water Supply project in Kabong.
“In addition, a total sum of RM552 million will be provided under the Alternative Funding Initiative in 2024 to continue the implementation of water supply projects, including the following: the Transmission Main Across Batang Sadong Bridge to Simunjan: Pipeline Replacement, Relocation, and Extension at Sebangan and Sebuyau; the Upgrading of Lubau Water Treatment Plant; the Upgrading of Bayong Water Treatment Plant; the Kapit Water Treatment Plant Augmentation and Improvement Works; the Belaga Water Supply—Jalan Belaga/Menjawah, Kapit; the Miri Water Supply Source Development—Phase 2; the Trusan Regional Water Treatment Plant; the Tinjar Water Supply; and the Sarawak Alternative Water Supply (SAWAS) Phase 2.”
Furthermore, on electricity supply, the Premier disclosed that RM24 million will be allocated in 2024 for the following new projects, such as the Connect Stand-alone Sarawak Alternative Rural Electrification Scheme (SARES) to Sarawak Electricity Grid; the Connection of off-grid SARES and solar hybrid scheme to existing electricity grid for villages that have road accessibility and are near to the grid; the Battery Replacement and Key Component for Stand-Alone Solar System; the SARES battery replacements to ensure remote inaccessible communities continue to benefit from 24-hour electricity; and the 33-kilovolt Medium Voltage Covered Conductor (MVCC) from Nanga Gaat to Tunoh.
Additionally, Abang Johari revealed that RM298 million will be provided in 2024 for continuation projects under the Rural Electrification Scheme, and another RM1,600 million is required in 2024 under alternative funding for projects.
The projects listed include the Rural Power Supply Scheme for High Voltage Substations; the Medium Voltage Covered Conductor (MVCC) Overhead Lines; the Rural Electrification Scheme (RES) for Last Mile Connections; the Stand-alone off-grid SARES for remote rural communities; and Additional or Late Applicant Fund (ALAF) for newly completed premises in rural areas after rural electricity infrastructures are completed. — DayakDaily
