By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, July 28: Sarawak has called on the federal government to increase funding for mineral resource exploration and development in the State to a level comparable with those provided for other states, arguing that its vast mineral potential could contribute significantly to Malaysia’s economic growth and strategic mineral supply.
The call was made by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan during the National Mineral Council meeting, which was chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof, at the Parliament in Kuala Lumpur today.
Awang Tengah attended the meeting on behalf of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Speaking during the meeting, Awang Tengah said the Sarawak government had consistently demonstrated its commitment to developing the State’s mineral sector by allocating substantial funding for geological and mineral resource studies under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) and 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP).
“Sarawak allocated RM15 million under the 12MP and a further RM18 million under the 13MP to undertake studies on the occurrence and potential of mineral resources throughout the State.
“In comparison, the federal allocations for Sarawak amounted to only RM1.36 million under the 12MP and RM1.91 million under the 13MP,” he said in a statement today.
According to Awang Tengah, the federal allocations did not reflect Sarawak’s extensive land area and considerable mineral potential.
“The disparity in funding should be addressed to ensure comprehensive mineral exploration and facilitate the sustainable development of Sarawak’s mineral resources,” he said.
He added that enhanced exploration and development efforts would support the State’s contribution to national economic growth and strengthen Malaysia’s strategic mineral supply.
Awang Tengah therefore urged the federal government to raise its allocation for mineral resource studies in Sarawak to a level comparable with those provided to other states.
He pointed out that Johor received RM6.5 million for similar purposes, while Sabah, Perak and Kedah each received RM4.5 million.
“A larger federal allocation would strengthen geological mapping and mineral exploration activities, enable a more accurate assessment of Sarawak’s mineral wealth, and support future investments as well as downstream industrial development,” he said.
The National Mineral Council meeting also discussed initiatives to advance the country’s mineral industry and enhance collaboration between federal and Sarawak governments in ensuring the sustainable and strategic development of Malaysia’s mineral resources. — DayakDaily
