KUCHING, July 28: For Sarawak to achieve a high level of economic growth and become a developed state in 10 years, the state government under Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) has planned and implemented several development programmes in line with the people’s needs.
“Sarawak government must look into the state’s own needs especially in terms of infrastructure development which we all know is important for our economic growth.
“Physical and non-physical connectivity has been intensified over the past two years and extended in the Twelfth Malaysia Plan until 2030,” Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said during the launch of the state level waving of Jalur Gemilang 2020, today.
Abang Johari said this was why Sarawak itself would develop the Coastal Road and Second Trunk Road, which will cost the state RM11 billion, in addition to the construction of the Pan Borneo Highway by the Federal Government.
“In the interiors, the state government has implemented various projects and facilities at Upper Rejang Development Agency (URDA), Highland Development Agency (HDA) and Northern Region Development Agency (NRDA) with a total allocation of RM4.5 billion.
“Such large allocation is created through alternative funding methods. It is not possible for these areas to get such a large allocation for the purpose of infrastructure development and facilities in the future if we rely entirely on the Federal Government annual budget,” he pointed.
Abang Johari acknowledged that internet connectivity was limited, especially in rural parts of Sarawak.
“The State Government is working hard to erect telecommunication poles. So far, we have more than 170 poles throughout the state but without a service provider or ISP, this programme will not achieve its goal.
“Because of this, the State Government is determined to intervene to provide services through Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA) with the possibility of providing subsidies so that service charges are not so high for the rural people,” he added.
On the state level Jalur Gemilang 2020 celebration, Abang Johari also urged Sarawakians to instill the nationalism spirit because the country needs a stable government.
“When Malaysia was going through uncertainties in Putrajaya in February this year, GPS chose to support those we believe capable of giving Sarawak stability and supporting our development agenda. An unstable government will only bring losses, not just to the state but the whole country.
Praising the current Federal government under National Alliance (PN) led by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Abang Johari pointed that they have proven to govern the country effectively, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Malaysia was recognised as one of the best countries in its efforts to address Covid-19. The post Covid-19 economic recovery programme has also proven to be well planned and implemented,” Abang Johari said.—DayakDaily
