KUCHING: The post Covid-19 economic exit strategy will be very much needed to reset the economy in the next 12 to 18 months, while not losing sight of the target of being a fully developed state by 2030.
Sarawak Housing Estates Developers Association (Sheda) Kuching chairman Sim Kiang Chiok opined that the strategy would be most welcomed by all Sarawakians.
He said by setting the right direction with the best thought-out strategy, Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg was providing the leadership to set the goals in achieving a developed state amidst post Covid-19 constraints.
“An economic action council will be set up to discuss, analyse, and strategies the best working plan for the various sectors that are being emphasised and prioritised by Abang Johari.
“On the need of a new housing policy post Covid-19, we might see more social distancing being incorporated into the layout of housing estates, building design layouts while looking after our environment,” he said in a statement yesterday.
According to Sim, big data economy was a new business sector that would help to create new income sources and new employment for Sarawakians.
“It is very exciting that our Chief Minister is updating our economy with the latest industry that the world is requiring, which has a huge demand for such services.
“He rightly described that big data as the ‘new oil’ for our economy,” he said.
Sim added that tourism, affected immensely by Covid-19 and a sizeable part of the economy, would be reduced and that restaurants, cafes and coffee shops would be affected when social distancing is implemented.
“Until a vaccine or a cure is found and post movement control order, our business will have to incorporate health, hygiene and social distancing.
“This way of life will be the new norm, for at least a year to 18 months,” he added.
