KUCHING, May 1: The state government will announce a long-term measure to revive Sarawak’s economy post-Covid-19 for the benefit of all Sarawakians.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg, in his Labour Day message today, said the state government will strive to ensure that Sarawak’s economy continues to thrive even under difficult circumstances.
“This is so to provide opportunities to the people to have the ability to find employment and have sustainable income to support themselves and their families.
“The economy post-Covid 19 will certainly change and I will make the announcement (on strategies to revive the economy) after discussions with important sectors or stakeholders,” he said.
On the federal government’s announcement to allow almost all economic sectors and businesses to reopen but subjected to strict conditions under conditional MCO (CMCO) come May 4, Abang Johari said the state government will fine-tune the implementation according to the needs of the state.
He recognised that the Covid-19 outbreak has brought unprecedented challenges and hardships to people from all strata of society.
“The Covid-19 pandemic has required that MCO be imposed to curb the spread of the virus infection.
“The MCO, which is now in its fourth phase, has impacted the entire business sectors and industries, especially in Sarawak. Daily wage workers are having an extremely hard time to ensure they can put food on the table for their families every day,” he added.
Even though Sarawak government has provided support through the Sarawakku Sayang Special Assistance Packages, he understood that the assistance may not be enough to cover all the needs of the people.
The direct assistance such as cash aid for the lower-income B40 group and utility subsidies were aimed at helping to reduce the burden of the people, especially the working class.
“I hope that all workers and society, as a whole, will continue to persevere through the adversities and in spite of the difficulties.
“Once again, I wish all Sarawakians a Happy Labour Day, and let’s pray that we will always be safe and in good health,” he said. — DayakDaily
