KUCHING: The RM200 million allocation for tourism sector under the State Budget 2024 is necessary for the progress of transforming Sarawak into a leading destination for eco-tourism and business events in the ASEAN region.
Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew said this as tourism is one of the six economic sectors for economic prosperity, social inclusivity and environmental envisioned in the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS2030).
He was also pleased to note that RM52 million is allocated to Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) and Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak) for operations, marketing and promotion.
“It is indeed an extraordinary budget of development by balancing urban-rural development and achieving sustainable urban-rural integration is crucial to ensure balanced development as Sarawak moves towards developed State by 2030,” he said in a recent statement.
He added that through the budget, the state continues to emphasis on rural development and economic gap between rural and urban areas.
“Basic infrastructure, rural connectivity and accessibility are the key focuses to drive economic growth and development at the rural areas,” he added.
In the meantime, Ting said that providing a book voucher of RM500, free laptop for Sarawakian university students is an excellent move as many of them do not have the money to buy books and laptop after paying school fees, accommodation and living expenses.
“Hopefully, with this, we can help to reduce financial burden among the low and middle income groups,” he said.
He also noted it is good that Sarawak government is continuing the targeted “cradle-to-grave” assistance and services, from the needs of children to the elderly, the vulnerable and other disadvantaged groups.
“Assistance such as Post Natal Care Assistance, Endowment Fund Sarawak and Death Compassionate Assistance for Kenyalang Gold Card Holders are continuing next year with allocation of RM16 million, RM15 million and RM15 million respectively,” he said.
