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By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, July 16: Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts (MTCP) Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah emphasised that the people of Sarawak will enjoy various advantages that align with the State’s high-income status, as recognised by the World Bank.
He emphasised this point at the Sarawak Merdeka 60th Anniversary Convoy for Samarahan Division flagging-off ceremony, which took place at The Summer Shopping Mall in Kota Samarahan today.
“We need to develop a plan to effectively manage Sarawak’s abundant financial resources in order to enhance the State’s economic development for the benefit of its people.
“Not just by giving money because money does not bring much benefit. As a result, we will spend carefully on infrastructure development, human development, and other areas so that people’s incomes can rise,” he said.
Furthermore, Abdul Karim, who is also Youth, Sports, And Entrepreneur Development (MYSED) Minister, stated that the State’s income has increased so much that four or five years ago, the State only earned RM5 billion or RM6 billion annually from the oil and gas industry.
“But in just the first quarter of this year, we have already achieved the same amount as the total return of previous years. This significant accomplishment has led to our recognition and status,” he added.
World Bank Malaysia Lead Economist Apurva Sanghi recently shared on Twitter that the World Bank’s most recent high income data, which was released on July 1, 2023, indicated that Sarawak has attained high income status.
Sarawak has attained high income status according to the new World Bank country classifications by income level for 2022-2023, with a gross national income (GNI) per capita exceeding US$13,205.
Meanwhile, Abdul Karim, who is also Asajaya assemblyman, expressed his hope that the federal government will not decrease the federal budget allocation for Sarawak as a result of the State’s attainment of advanced status.
“The federal government must be fair in allocating funds to each state, particularly Sarawak, which is currently in the midst of implementing development projects.
“We are also concerned that the allocation will be reduced by the federal government because Sarawak is already recognised as a developed State.
“We do not want this to occur because, as part of Malaysia, it is the responsibility of the federal government to develop each state under their care,” he said. — DayakDaily
