BY SITI NURAIN RATANI
KUCHING: The 2023 Budget scheduled to be presented on February 24 is expected to focus on the development of Sarawak and Sabah, especially in rural areas.
Simunjan assemblyman Awla Dris said that such a matter should be given prominence in Sarawak as some areas in the rural parts are still underdeveloped.
“Therefore, I hope that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will be able to put a good emphasis on rural areas in this state,” he told Suara Sarawak/New Sarawak Tribune.
He said this when met by reporters after attending the Opening Ceremony of the Saraneo Holding Sdn Bhd Office, at Jalan Rubber here, yesterday.
Citing an example in the Simunjan area, Awla said, there is a lot of development needed in this area, especially government department buildings under the administration of the federal government.
“For example, in Simunjan we still have a lot of shortages in government departments such as the Welfare Department, KEMAS, fire station, police station and others.
“Not to mention, the hospitals and clinics in Simunjan are too far behind, as they still use the old buildings here.
“It is certainly not safe for the community to use in this area,” he added.
Therefore, Awla hopes that this upcoming budget can focus on rural areas such as Simunjan so that it can be developed and to be comparable to more developed areas.
Previously, the Ministry of Finance confirmed that the Prime Minister who is also the Minister of Finance will present the revised 2023 Budget in the Dewan Rakyat on February 24, 2023.
