SIBU: The 2021 State Budget tabled by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg on Monday (Nov 9) has received favourable response from several people New Sarawak Tribune spoke to here.
Sebastian Conrad, private sector worker
“The budget is good and gives a lot of benefits, especially to those in rural areas where we still find some of the areas still lacking electricity, water and even roads. It will surely help a lot, especially students in rural areas gain a better education…hopefully with this budget, people will no longer wait to enjoy a better life.”
Monica Tingom, housewife
“The budget will steer economic recovery; secure the people’s wellbeing; ensuring food security and transform agriculture production; strengthening social security and advance digital economy.”
Empina Enchang, food entrepreneur
“I welcome the budget. It’s a very good one as it focuses on community development, whether in urban or rural areas. The additional resources and assistance, including for the vulnerable section of our society, speed up development in both urban and rural areas as well as enhance provision of infrastructure and utilities.”
Christopher Gira, Tamin assemblyman
“2021 State Budget is a surplus budget. In 2021, state revenue is expected to be about RM10.12 billion. For the proposed budget, which is a sum of RM9.832 bln, is a surplus budget of RM180 million. This budget is development-based in which RM6.304 bln is for development. Out of RM6.304 bln, RM4.251 bln is for rural development.
In view of the Covid-19 pandemic, the budget has allocated a substantial amount to lessen the burden faced by the rakyat. Besides that, the state government also put aside a budget for human capital development. Personally, I’m very happy with the budget.”
