SIBU: The Sarawak government has always adopted a balanced development approach that places equal emphasis on economic growth and the well-being of the people.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said a healthy country is always a rich country.
“The term ‘well-being’ is usually associated with the standard of living and quality of life that includes economic, social, physical and psychological aspects, and is beneficial to society.
“In Malaysia, this aspect is manifested in quality healthcare, affordable housing, improved public safety, improved emergency services, better integration and social cohesion as well as widespread participation in sports,” he said.
He said this in his speech read by his representative, Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Michael Tiang at the Rakyat Sihat, Sarawak Makmur Run at Dataran Tun Tuanku Haji Bujang here Sunday (June 18).
Abang Johari said the government’s allocation of RM399 million under the revised Budget 2023 to the Youth and Sports Ministry saw a significant increase from the RM289 million allocated last year.
“This budget saw the sports industry receiving an extra RM110 million from the government, where a significant amount of RM324 million is for training programmes and sports facilities for all athletes and para-athletes.
“The administration will also provide RM20 million to focus on unity programmes in sports, culture, and arts at school and community levels.
“In addition, the government will provide matching funds of RM50 million to encourage the private sector’s sponsorship for sports programmes, especially for unity-based sports, and for competitions at the national level,” he said.
He stressed that a healthy population is a powerful catalyst for economic growth as it promotes economic growth by expanding the labour force and by boosting productivity while also delivering immense social benefits.
“On the other hand, poor population health is not just bad for the individuals affected.
“It impacts adversely on national productivity and prosperity, and increases pressures on health services, which are already struggling to cope with the growing demands of an increasingly unhealthy population, and the challenge of recovering from the backlogs in care exacerbated by the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic,” he said.
