KUCHING: The year of 2023 has been a highly successful year for Sarawak, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.
He said the unity, resilience, perseverance and political stability in the state have allowed the Sarawak Government to function uninterrupted throughout the year.
“It was a year of trailblazing innovations in the green economy for us. It was also a year of outstanding financial performance. Our Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, had recently announced that our state revenue had reached RM13.1 billion for 2023, the highest ever.
“With this record breaking income, Sarawak is on the path for more great things ahead.
“We may have the resources but it takes a brave, innovative and visionary leadership to take us where we are now, without sacrificing our sustainability or environment,” he said.
He said this in his New Year 2024 message today (Dec 31).
Uggah, who is also the Infrastructure and Port Development (MIPD) Minister, said his ministry will continue to support Sarawak’s development efforts and strategies based on the Post COVID-19 Development Strategies 2030 (PCDS 2030).
“I have recently listed our priorities for 2024. Top of our list are to have zero sick projects and to achieve 100 percent development spending.
“Currently, we have 17 critically sick projects, of which four belong to the state. During the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, we had a total of 96.
“We now have in place, the mechanism and regulations to nip in the bud any occurrence or recurrence,” he said.
Uggah said for 2024, MIPD received an allocation of RM799.5 million, aiming for a 100 percent financial spending performance.
“This will mean more roads, bridges and other amenities will be built and particularly in rural areas.
“In 2023 our development expenditure was at 83.72% upon a budget of RM796.7 million. I would especially like to thank our Premier for the allocation and his confidence in us to implement and deliver,” he added.
Acknowledging the contributions of his deputy ministers, Datuk Majang Renggi and Datuk Aidel Lariwoo, Uggah expressed confidence in the team’s ability to rise to challenges and complete significant projects by early 2025, redefining connectivity, economy, and the well-being of Sarawakians.
“For the information of all, from 2024 until early 2025, we will see the completion of many big projects that will redefine our connectivity, economy and the material comfort and well-being of our rakyat.
“I wish to put on record my heartfelt gratitude to all technical and administrative agencies involved in the implementation and not forgetting our Rakyat who have patiently put up with all the inconveniences,” Uggah said.
Following his capacity as the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) chairman, he urged continued vigilance against COVID-19, especially with the detection of sub-variants HK.3 and JN.1.
“During Epidemiology Week 51 (December 17 to December 23), we had 942 cases, an increase of 311 or 49.29 percent. In the previous Epidemiology week, we had 631.
” New deaths were reported in Epidemiology Week 51, comprising three cases in Kuching and one case in Miri, to bring the toll to 13 since this year.
“Therefore, the public is advised to follow the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health (MOH). Stop the infection and the transmission. Let us watch out for each other.
“Happy And Prosperous 2024. Jaga Sarawak, Intu Sarawak,” he said.
