KUCHING: Deputy Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Chong Chieng Jen said the 2020 Budget was the highest allocation that the state had ever received.
According to him, out of the total RM30 billion development expenditure, Sarawak received RM4.5 billion, which is 14.8 percent of the amount.
He said during Barisan Nasional’s time there was never such high proportion.
“The budget is business-friendly, having very diverse grants and lots of tax exemptions. This will encourage more entrepreneurship.
“It also provides a clear direction for the economy and business sectors to move towards digitalization and Industrial Revolution (IR4.0),” he said when contacted yesterday.
Chong who is also the state Pakatan Harapan chairman and Stampin MP said there is also a very strong effort by the government to encourage employment and move away from over-dependence on foreign labour.
“Huge incentives for youth and women employment. I think most people will have some benefits here and there from the budget.
“The tax payers’ money can go a long way in helping the people, the economy and the country to grow,” said the Kota Sentosa assemblyman.
Chong said he will make the necessary arrangement for the Ministry of Finance (MoF) officers and the relevant agencies of the federal government to brief the business sector in Sarawak on all the grants, facilities and incentives provided in the 2020 Budget.
