Abang Johari: More allocation for rural areas as state’s revenue projected to increase
KUCHING, May 31 — In his Gawai Dayak message, Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg today told the Dayak community that the state government will increase allocation for the rural areas as the state’s revenue is projected to increase through various sources.
He said for the first quarter of this year the state has already collected RM5.004 billion in revenue while for the whole of last year, the state collected almost RM12 billion.
He added that for 2021 the total collection was RM7.62 billion.
“The prevailing political stability and racial harmony have enabled the state government to increase the state’s revenue and focus its efforts to improve the state’s economy based on technology, data, and innovation to the next level,” he said.
Abang Johari said Sarawak already has some capacity to produce hydrogen gas that has been used to power some buses and vehicles.
“In addition, Sarawak has recently also proven to be able to produce sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) for the needs of the aviation industry from algae, which has been used by Airbus aircraft for the first time for flights from Kuching to Langkawi recently,” he said.
He said he believes that the production of SAF from algae will give Sarawak bright hope to strengthen its future economy.
The premier also urged the Dayak community to develop their customary rights land, saying that the community has the largest ownership of lands in the state.
He said the state government will make efforts to provide infrastructure to support development in the rural areas.
Abang Johari said he believes that the life of the Dayaks, especially those in the rural areas, is more comfortable now compared to some 30 years ago.
“Now we see beautiful longhouses in the rural areas that have tiled floors, air-conditioners, refrigerators and other modern things,” he added.
The premier urged the Dayak community not to overspend in celebrating the Gawai Dayak, saying that they should buy only essential items for the occasion and save the rest of the money for the education of their children or invest in unit trusts guaranteed by the government.
