MIRI: Sarawak is on the right track to economic recovery as most of its indicators show an upward trend.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg expressed his optimism that the domestic economy will gradually improve and become stronger after COVID-19.
“These three years have been very challenging as the pandemic has caused health and economic hardships in every sector and affected the livelihood of the people, but on the bright side, Sarawak is on the right track of recovery as most of its economic indicators show an upward trend,” he said during at the Legal Year 2023 gala dinner in Miri on Friday.
His text of speech was read out by Minister for Transport Sarawak Datuk Sri Lee Kim Shin.
Abang Johari was confident that Sarawak’s Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 would thrust the state to become a thriving society driven by data and innovation to enjoy economic prosperity, social inclusivity and sustainable environment.
To achieve the target, he said Sarawak economy needed to grow on average six to eight per cent per annum until 2030.
“Inclusive society means that all Sarawakians will have equal opportunities to participate in the state’s overall development and enjoy equitable distribution of wealth through jobs and business opportunities.
“Environmental sustainability is an integral part of Sarawak development initiatives. This is to ensure a clean and healthy environment for current and future generations. Moving forward, Sarawak will innovate using data to increase productivity, develop high value products, improve safety of our people and assets as well as enhance environmental conservation efforts,” he said.
He pointed out that Sarawak’s 2023 budget was formulated by anchoring on five principles.
“The first is we will develop a more robust, competitive and equitable economy; second, we will build Sarawak as a competitive and resilient state; and third; we will create a smart city underpinned by digital technologies, knowledge and innovation; fourth; we will continue to foster a united, harmonious and caring society where our efforts would not leave anyone behind and lastly we will continue to plan forward for fiscal sustainability to ensure future security for our children and grandchildren as well as generations to come after us ” he said.
