KUCHING: Sarawak revenue collection is expected to surpass last year’s figures, aiming for an estimated RM14 billion this year compared to RM13 billion in the previous year.
Having said this, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg noted the progress made in Sarawak since he assumed office as Chief Minister in 2017, marking the beginning of a new era for the state.
“I started the digitalisation of Sarawak when I became Chief Minister. And then after digitalisation, I restructure our revenue stream.
“That’s why we got RM13 billion revenue last year. Maybe this year RM14 billion,” he said.
He said this when met by reporters during his Hari Raya open house held at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) today (Apr 10).
Commenting further, Abang Johari conveyed optimism about Sarawak’s ability to achieve improved revenue this year.
“I said maybe (the revenue this year will be) better. I don’t have to tell you the numbers.
“Actually I started immediately when I became Chief Minister. You know, Petros Sarawak Berhad (Petros), Development Bank of Sarawak (DBOS), hydrogen related initiatives, just took seven years, and you can see even though we (were affected by) COVID-19, we managed to help people during the pandemic,” he said,
When questioned about infrastructure development since 2017 up to the present, Abang Johari said that the state government has utilised its own funds for the construction of coastal roads and bridges.
“Total was RM12 billion using our own money. This one includes roads and bridges only,” he said.
