By Karen Bong
KUCHING, April 29: Some 60 projects involving RM1 billion will be developed in the Rajang area including Mukah in the next few years.
This also includes a new Mukah waterfront project which is estimated to cost RM60 million and currently in the designing stage.
Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg emphasised that Sarawak’s bold decision to allocate RM1.5 billion towards the Rajang Delta Development Agency’s (Radda) development projects is backed by its success in revenue growth over the past four years.
“In 2022, Sarawak achieved a historic milestone with a record-breaking revenue of RM12 billion through GPS’ (Gabungan Parti Sarawak) unique approach to increase the region’s income.
“We hope this (impressive achievement) will continue or even increase this year, so that we can grow the economy, where people can benefit, especially in terms of infrastructure including water and electricity supply as well as increasing the income of the people,” he said when officiating at the Kaul Festival 2023 at Mukah today.
With a wealth of resources such as carbon and hydropower, Abang Johari said the future of Sarawak is bright.
In the coastal area of Balingian, he added that Nippon Oil is currently conducting a study to see the amount of gas available there.
“What is most important is the local talents who must play a role in developing and managing this area.
“That’s why we have taken over a few higher learning institutions in Sarawak namely Swinburne University, Curtin University, University Technology Sarawak, i-CATS and Centexs,” he said.
Abang Johari pointed out that this is the opportunity to train Sarawakian children in new disciplines in line with the new economy which Sarawak has embarked towards.
“I am glad to see an increase in Bumiputera students in University Technology Sarawak in Sibu. With the bursary provided by the government, this has allowed children of farmers and fishermen who cannot afford tuition fees to enter university.
“This is evident that our approach to provide bursary through Yayasan Sarawak has benefited our children and in our bid to increase the human capital in Sarawak, especially in new disciplines, for the new economy,” he added.
Federal Deputy Minister of Economy and Mukah MP Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib, Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, Deputy Minister of Corporate Affairs and Ukas Datuk Abdullah Saidol, Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Integrity and Ombudsman) Datuk Juanda Jaya, and Sarawak Melanau Association president cum organising chairman of Kaul Festival 2023 Tan Sri Dr Muhammad Leo Toyad were present. — DayakDaily
