KUCHING: The Sarawak Government will continue to diversify its economy in focusing on modernization of agriculture, strengthening infrastructure, advancing tourism and accelerating human capital development as outlined in the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said that the state’s hinterland is still under-developed, therefore accelerating rural transformation with the implementation of various major infrastructure works such as roads and bridges, basic public amenities and facilities is a key to spurring economic growth and stimulate demand.
He said this was not merely hollow talk as the task of linking up the rural areas with good road infrastructure and other basic facilities is placed on the shoulder of Regional Corridor Development Authority (RECODA) whose role has been expanded to include development in Upper Rajang Development Authority (URDA), Human Resource Development Award (HRDA) and Highland Development Agency (HDA) with a total allocation of RM4.5 billion.
Abang Johari said this when officiating at the third Sarawak Chief Minister’s Industry Excellence Awards (CMIEA) 2021 organised by Sarawak Business Federation (SBF) in collaboration with Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC) at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) on yesterday evening.
He said that the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government his leadership has also expanded the state revenue base through ‘revenue re-engineering’ so that it could have the fiscal flexibility in managing its financial resources and in strategising its development agenda.
“This will enable the state to implement infrastructure projects and basic amenities throughout the state expeditiously and at the same time building ample reserves to weather any eventualities.”
“These strategies are critical in meeting our objectives to accelerate the development in the state to ensure balanced development between the urban and rural areas,” he stressed.
Abang Johari said the Sarawak government will vigorously intensify the implementation of high impact and people- centric projects in line with its development agenda, and more areas will be opened up for productive economic activities that will provide greater job and business opportunities.
“I am confident that this will eventually uplift and enhance the wellbeing of the people, especially the rural community,” he said.
He said the state has introduced many initiatives to spearhead new directions for the economy, the private sector must also be fully engaged in driving the growth of the Sarawak economy.
“The key to realising Sarawak as a developed economy by 2030 is the involvement of Sarawak businesses in investing in projects in Sarawak.”
“My government will step up our efforts in promoting entrepreneurship and investment among Sarawakians who are keen to develop and implement their projects.”
“SBF plays a pivotal role in coordinating the relationship between the business community and the state government, as we work together in making Sarawak a developed state by 2030,” he said.
On another note, Abang Johari said it was important to develop the information and communication technology infrastructure to bring the state to be on par with developed economies, and attract investments in new fields such as cloud computing, data farming, artificial intelligence, robotics and internet of things.
“While the state government commits to setting up a world-class ICT infrastructure, a vibrant digital economy requires active participation of the local business community by utilising the infrastructure to add value to their businesses.
“Indeed, politicians and government servants can at best provide the direction and framework for the economy, but it is the private sector that must do all the hard work of getting things moving,” he said.
Earlier, the event also witnessed the presentation of certificates to its new members namely, Sarawak Business Events Association president Federick Ho and Orang Ulu Chamber Commerce and Industry president Datuk Mutang Tagal.
Also present were Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian and SBF president Datuk Abang Abdul Karim Tun Openg.
