KUCHING: Business chambers of commerce and industry associations applauded the state government’s performance in achieving the highest revenue ever in history.
The Association of Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sarawak (ACCCIS) secretary-general Datuk Jonathan Chai opined that this was a positive sign for Sarawak.
“Leaving aside whether the higher than projected revenue was due to the surge in oil price last year, I think our Premier deserved the credit and recognition for his ability to ‘look for money’.
“Under his stewardship since 2017, our revenue collection has increased five folds,” he commented.
In addition, he emphasised that the Sarawak government would be in better financial position to table sizable budgets and implement more projects to leapfrog the development of Sarawak, especially in the interior and rural areas.
“With the strong fiscal position, the Sarawak government will be able to provide financial assistance for Sarawakians.
“In fact, the extent of support which was provided by our government during the pandemic speaks volumes, with 9 BKSS packages totalling RM6.7bil.
“No state in Malaysia has gone that far to help its people, we could only have it in Sarawak,” added Chai.
Richard Wee, president of Sarawak Federation of Chinese Association (SFCA), also viewed this as good news.
He commended Abang Johari for his tenacity and creativity for the financial reengineering in securing such financial results for Sarawak.
“I am hoping with the added revenue, Sarawak will be on the road to financial independence and embark on the projects for the benefit of Sarawak.
“I also hope that there will be more people-centric policies to be roll out so that men on the street and all Sarawakians will feel that they have benefitted from the financial success of Sarawak,” he added.
Dayak Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) treasurer-general Bell Bernard Aggan expressed his congratulations to Abang Johari and his Cabinet for managing the state finance and resources efficiently and effectively.
“My hope is that with the highest revenue of RM11.9bil, more focus for infrastructures like water supply, roads, electricity and repairing of dilapidated schools especially in rural areas.
“This is to narrow the gap of development and income between rural and urban communities,” said Bernard.
With this revenue, he said that this could also make Sarawak a high income economy by 2030 as outlined in the PCDS 2030.
