LAWAS: The Sarawak government will continuously look into coming up with new revenue model to increase income for the state.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said the state will strive to search for ways to increase its revenue.
“I hope that by 2022 or 2023, we can implement a new revenue model. With additional revenue we will be able to help our people,” he said when launching the Saluran-MySRBN initiative at Kampung Tengah, Trusan on Sunday (Oct 31).
He pointed out that under the Sarawak 2022 Budget, RM10 billion has been allocated and RM7 billion would go towards development projects in the state.
“While, under the federal 2022 Budget, RM4 billion was allocated. So, in total we will have RM11 billion for development projects,” he said.
Abang Johari, who is also Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) chairman said that his government was committed to bring development for the benefit of its people.
“If the mandate is given back to the GPS government, we will continue our agenda until 2030,” he said.
Abang Johari dismissed claims that GPS was afraid of the implementation of Undi18.
“I am not afraid. Because what we are planning now is for our younger generation. Hopefully they will continue what we planned and developed.
“GPS has a long-term plan for the younger generation in the state. God willing, by the year 2030, Sarawak will be a developed and high-income state.
“This is so that our children can work in accordance with the level of the economy that we improve. If our economy is still down, they cannot work and instead they will go elsewhere to work,” he said.
He added that when the economy is high, the youth’s training and knowledge in various fields such as in the digital area could be used to develop the state.
“That is why we must have a right vision for the future of the state and this is provided with the strong support given to GPS,” said Abang Johari.
Later, the chief minister witnessed the presentation of grant from the Sarawak government worth RM45 million to Agrobank Sarawak which will administer the Sarawak Micro Credit Scheme (SMCS).
The event also witnessed the presentation of SMCS worth RM2.02 million to 85 entrepreneurs in Lawas district.
At the event, Padian Mini Mart proprietor Madun Nasip also received a grant of RM150,000 under the Ministry of International Trade and Industry, Industrial Terminal and Entrepreneur Development (Mintred)’s Small and Medium Industries Loan Scheme (SPIKS).
