KUCHING: Sarawak and Sabah need skilled individuals and companies capable of undertaking essential infrastructure work, particularly in rural areas where infrastructure remains lacking.
Political analyst Professor James Chin, who stated this, added, “Spending money in Sarawak and Sabah is quite easy due to the poor state of infrastructure in these two states.
“Allocating an additional two or three billion ringgit does not address the core issue. The challenge lies in the availability of qualified individuals to execute the necessary work.
“The number of companies based in Sarawak and Sabah is limited. The challenge isn’t merely allocating funds but identifying the right individuals and entities to undertake the necessary work,” he said when contacted by the New Sarawak Tribune.
His remarks came after the announcement of the Budget 2024 by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday.
Anwar revealed that Sarawak was set to receive a substantial RM5.8 billion, while Sabah had been allocated RM6.6 billion.
These allocations represent an increase from the revised Budget of 2023, which granted Sarawak RM5.6 billion and Sabah RM6.5 billion.
Chin pointed out the stark disparity in infrastructure development when comparing Sarawak and Sabah to more urbanised regions like the Klang Valley, noting that they were lagging behind by approximately five to 10 years.
In remote areas, especially the rural interior, he said infrastructure deficiencies, such as inadequate telecommunications, posed significant challenges.
To address these issues and ensure long-term growth, he suggested prioritising investments in essential sectors.
“If I were the government, I would allocate funds to ensure that every location in Sarawak and Sabah is well-connected, particularly with 5G technology.
“I would also invest in the productive sectors that can drive economic growth, such as improving access roads and infrastructure to enhance transportation, as the costs of transporting goods to the interior are notably high,” he added.
Furthermore, Chin emphasised the critical issues of health and education, noting that some rural schools were “beyond bad”. He said they were “actually non-habitable.”
Nevertheless, he said the increased fundings for Sarawak and Sabah in the Budget 2024 were welcomed development, but highlighted the urgent need to address infrastructure deficiencies and promote economic growth in these states, particularly in the remote areas.
