KUCHING: The 2021 State Budget tabled last week is vital to invigorate the economy and the government must prioritise business infrastructure and business-friendly policies.
This is in order to build a resilient economy, said Sarawak Entrepreneur Association (SEA) president Nizam Khalyd.
“The 2021 State Budget is pragmatic in keeping with the times. It focuses on building a resilient economy, strengthening social inclusivity, and enhancing environmental sustainability,” he said.
Nizam said Sarawak was heading in the right direction by emphasising digital economy, agriculture production, hydrogen economy, biotechnology, and natural resources in its aspiration of achieving a high-income economy by 2030.
“SEA welcomes the Sarawak government’s various development programmes and projects worth RM6 billion and commitment to continue assisting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) by allocating RM19 million for the Special Relief Fund (SRF) interest scheme,” Nizam pointed out.
He also applauded the government’s initiatives to redevelop a new and equitable economic model with the private sector as the main engine driving economic growth.
“As Sarawak fights off the third Covid-19 wave, many entrepreneurs who have survived for the past six months, especially micro, small and medium enterprises, are wondering what is next beyond 2021,” he said.
Nizam noted that among the sectors worst hit by the pandemic was the tourism industry — encompassing hotel businesses, homestays, and tourist attractions.
As such, he said the estimated RM250 million allocated for various tourism programmes was important to revive the sector and provide assistance to those impacted in the industry.
