KUCHING: Balai Ringin assemblyman Datuk Snowdan Lawan has high hopes for increased funding directed towards state regional development agencies in the upcoming 2024 State Budget.
He said for his constituency, he expects forthcoming allocations, particularly from the Greater Kuching Coordinated Development Agency (GKCDA) and Sri Aman Development Agency (SADA), aiming to fulfil ongoing and approved projects.
“We also have high hopes that the newly elevated Pantu District and the sub-district of Balai Ringin will receive some focus and dedicated funds to align the development along with their elevated status.
“On an urgent basis, I hope the water supply projects in the Balai Ringin constituency will receive its due consideration in the form of ‘fast track funding’ in view it was highlighted by His Majesty Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah during his Kembari Kenali Borneo convoy visit to Sarawak,” he said.
He said this when expressing his hopes and expectations on the 2024 State Budget, which will be tabled by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg during the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting tomorrow (Nov 20).
Snowdan, who is also the Deputy Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister said as a whole Sarawakians are expecting more than RM10 billion budget as this year state’s revenue is expected to reach RM10 billion or more.
“Sarawak’s budget has been on the rise for the last three years since 2021 under the able leadership of Abang Johari.
“The figure was RM9.832 billion in 2021, RM10,646 billion (2022), and RM10,797 billion (2023). And this proved that our Premier’s economics and revenue re-engineering formulas are workable and bearing fruits,” he said.
He added the 2024 State Budget is also very likely to be rural centric in view of the crucial necessity to develop the infrastructure facilities such as roads, utilities and connectivity within the state.
“Our students and youth will also be among the focus as hinted by Abang Johari during the Lan Berambeh in Kuala Lumpur recently.
“Moreover, our civil servants can also expect some good perks too in view of their contributory factor in realising the state’s development agenda,” said the Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) Youth chief.
As for tourism, he added it has been one of the major contributors to the state coffer.
“With the three million visitors target surpassed and tourism revenue receipts standing at RM8.07 billion generated as at October 2023, tourism is an industry worth highlighting and reckoning with.
“The year 2024 will see more events and happenings. Thus, there will be a good ratio of proportionate funding, God willing,” he said.
He also said Abang Johari at a function with TVS in Gedong on Nov 11 had hinted that the Sarawak government will allocate grants to the State’s Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Ministry in order to uplift the industry’s growth into greater heights especially in the film industry.
“We await this in 2024,” said Snowdan.
