SIBU: The state’s well-developed economy is moving towards a new phase that has never been seen before, said Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
“We introduced digitalisation and the use of technology. Secondly, we aim to identify our strengths in Sarawak’s resources, and thirdly, we stand with the world in addressing climate issues.
“Through the implementation of these policies, even Kuala Lumpur cannot follow suit due to conflicting laws.
“We have no choice but to have our own implementation with the support of the unity government,” he said at a gathering with the Sibu community in conjunction with the State Development Coordination Committee Meeting (SDCCM) here last night (Aug 6).
Abang Johari said that sometimes he updates Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on the Sarawak government’s projects, such as hydrogen and carbon trading.
“We are implementing new policies that community leaders need to understand. Currently, we have Minister for Utility and Telecommunications Datuk Julaihi Narawi overseeing spectrum (invisible radio frequencies which transmit signals) matters.
“Under the land laws, we have authority over the land and what lies within it. The one in power over the land also controls the space above it, that’s why it’s called the spectrum.
“Now, it has become valuable because we have WhatsApp, Instagram, all using signals that travel through the vast space. We need to have control over the spectrum. These are all new matters,” he said.
He said now that Sarawak is recognised as a high income state by the World Bank, it is important for the community leaders to understand these policies.
“Because there are those who still confuse the difference between per capita income and gross national income (GNI) per capita.
“So we must increase the household income per capita through skills development; for example for those doing farming, move from traditional methods to Internet of Things (IoT),” he said.
On another note, Abang Johari reiterated that the state’s income this year will be more than RM12 billion which was recorded last year.
“Up till June this year, the figure has reached more than last year. I cannot reveal the actual figures to you but if the trend is like this, we will increase our revenue and the money will be ploughed back into the state’s development,” he added.
At the gathering, Abang Johari presented communal land gazetted under Section 6 of Sarawak Land Code to 10 longhouse chiefs from Kanowit.
Among those present were Deputy Premier Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian, State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang, Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Roland Sagah Wee Inn and his deputy Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee, assemblymen Joseph Chieng Jin Ek (Bukit Assek), Allan Siden Gramong (Machan), Anyi Jana (Ngemah) and Christopher Gira Sambang (Tamin), and Land and Survey director Datuk Abdullah Julaihi.
