KUCHING, Nov 8: Sarawak will spend the RM4.5 billion allocation from Budget 2021 prudently for both the people’s interest and state development.
Youth and Sports Assistant Minister Datuk Snowdan Lawan opined an ‘extraordinary’ budget may not be possible now due to Covid-19, adding his view that Budget 2021 is praiseworthy despite the current situation.
“The 2021 budget is commendable despite the ongoing Covid-19 threats.
“The three main goals which are people’s welfare, business community and economic resilience remain the main thrusts despite a challenging economic downturn since the pandemic occurred,” he added.
Focusing on youth and sports, Snowdan revealed he would be looking into the mechanisms to obtain a fair share from the RM103 million allocation to build and upgrade all sporting facilities in the state.
He asserted that many sports facilities are still needed in Sarawak such as futsal courts and mini stadiums for the youth.
“We still need lots of sports facilities to cater for our youth in the rural and semi-urban (areas), and to repair and maintain existing ones.
“This is to complement the state agenda to become a sports powerhouse,” he disclosed in a statement today.
Meanwhile, the Balai Ringin assemblyman welcomed the allocations for rural development which comprised RM1.3 billion for roads, RM632 million for water supply and RM250 million for electricity.
He noted this would expedite the construction of access roads, building of water treatment plants and the electrification of rural areas.
“These are needs for the state to catch up and leapfrog (in terms of development),” he added. — DayakDaily
