KUCHING: Sarawak is likely to see another record-breaking budget for 2024, with substantial allocations expected to bolster social welfare, rural development, and workforce upskilling, said the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sarawak (ACCCIS) secretary-general Datuk Jonathan Chai.
Chai anticipated the budget to prioritise support for senior citizens and tertiary students, leveraging Sarawak’s robust financial position and projected revenue growth.
Rural development remains a key focus, with the state government aiming to bridge the infrastructure gap between urban and rural areas.
“Despite achieving high-income status, Sarawak’s average household income still lags behind the PCDS 2030 target. Hence, the government will continue to allocate resources to uplift rural living standards,” Chai told Sarawak Tribune.
From a business perspective, Chai hoped for increased funding for vocational training and reskilling programmes, especially in high-demand sectors like energy, logistics, and technology.
He also advocated for support through the Sarawak Business Federation to prepare businesses for the AI era and ESG compliance.
To capitalise on Sarawak’s natural resources and ecotourism potential, Chai suggested additional funding for tourism-related training and infrastructure upgrades at tourist sites.
Recognising the pivotal role of education, Chai called for allocations to upgrade school facilities with technology-aided equipment, despite the federal government’s oversight of education.
