ADAM Yii Siew Sang (GPS-Pujut) has urged the Sarawak government to allocate additional resources to local councils, highlighting the financial pressures they face in maintaining essential services.
Yii pointed out that despite minimal increases in revenue from assessment rates over the last two decades, local councils like the Miri City Council have seen rising expenses due to inflation, higher service costs and expanded responsibilities.
He also called for urgent upgrades to drainage systems in flood-prone areas such as Piasau Jaya, Piasau Utara and Pujut Adong, citing issues like flash floods, mosquito breeding and foul odours from stagnant water.
He proposed allocating development funds to build concrete drainage systems to improve living conditions for residents.
On student welfare, Yii commended the RM1,200 financial assistance per student provided in the budget but proposed a tiered incentive structure for high-achieving students.
His suggestions included offering a free annual round-trip airfare to students maintaining a CGPA of 3.0 or above.
“This approach would not only ease financial burdens but also inspire academic excellence, cultivating a talented generation invested in Sarawak’s future,” he said.
Yii also praised Sarawak’s progress in reclaiming 35 per cent of parliamentary seats for Sarawak and Sabah, noting the importance of this step in securing greater political autonomy and influencing federal policies.
“This is a critical step in ensuring that Sarawak’s unique needs and aspirations are better represented at the national level,” he said.
He concluded by expressing optimism about the proposed budget, describing it as a foundation for Sarawak’s long-term growth.
He called for sustained investment in education, infrastructure and human capital development to keep Sarawak competitive in the global economy.
