KUCHING: Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen is requesting from Putrajaya for increased allocation for development in Sarawak, arguing that the allocation under Budget 2023 is “not fair and sufficient”.
He said the allocation of RM5.6 billion out of the total RM99 billion development budget is very little.
“In terms of percentage, the federal government provides Sarawak with only 5.6 per cent out of the total development allocation in Budget 2023, which is less than the 7.9 per cent allocated in Budget 2019.
“I call on the Prime Minister to bridge the development gap between Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia by increasing the development allocation for Sarawak,” he said when debating on the Supply Bill (Budget 2023) at the Dewan Rakyat recently.
Following that, the MP said this year’s budget allocates the largest development expenditure in history, with a total of RM99 billion.
“I think such a large development expenditure is necessary at this time to boost the economic growth of our country, which was badly hit by the Covid-19 pandemic in the past two years.
“The government has to speed our way out of the recession,” he added.
Chong also commended the direct cash handouts in eradicating extreme poverty as a good initiative.
As of July 31, 2022, he said approximately 136,923 households are extremely poor at a poverty line income of RM1,169 per month.
“The allocated RM750 million is sufficient. I hope the implementation will be more comprehensive and quick with the rising cost of living,” Chong added.
Touching on dilapidated schools and clinics, he said a target has been set by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to repair 380 schools and 400 clinics before the year end.
“This is different from the past budgets which did not set a time frame for the completion of the project.
“With a specific time frame, I am confident that the timeline will be adhered to by the implementing agencies and issues revolving around dilapidated schools will be solved,” he said.
