KUCHING: The State Budget 2022 development expenditure must focus on areas that will generate the most economic impact as well as provide immediate relief to those impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.
PricewaterhouseCooper (PwC) Malaysia Transaction Services deals partner Albert Lee said that Sarawak must ensure a conducive environment in order to attract more investors to the state.
“In the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 blueprint launched by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg in July, among the seven strategic thrust is the ease of doing business.
“If we were to build an economy, we need to be able to have investors comfortable to invest in Sarawak, as well as domestic investors who are happy to put their money into the projects.
“Having the ease of doing business is very important, for instance, we need to make sure the process of using the land must be made easy, fast approval of documentation including basic infrastructure such as roads, water and electricity supply must be in place.
“So, the entire ecosystem in terms of spending needs to be looked at. It is very important that having the ecosystem approach in terms of the development expenditure should be focusing on areas that will generate the most economic impact,” he said during a webinar entitled State Budget Talk organised by Institute of Management Sarawak (MASA) today (Sept 4).
Touching on the present situation with many still severely affected by the pandemic, Lee, who is also a Sarawakian, said that the state government must continue to provide immediate relief to assist the affected groups.
“The Covid-19 pandemic is like a house on fire. First, we have to put off the fire and give relief aid to the people before we start to think about rebuilding the house.
“Thus, I think this is the component that needs to be looked at in the State Budget,” he said.
