KUCHING: The recently announced 2024 State Budget which focuses largely on rural development is a substantial boon to Sarawakian particularly the rural communities.
In stating this, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said a huge sum of RM5.695 billion or 63 percent of the State Budget has been allocated for rural development.
“From the amount, we will have RM550 million to implement the Projek Rakyat (People’s Project), RM420 million for the Rural Transformation Projects (RTP) and RM200 million for Regional Development Agencies and RM260 million for Minor Rural Projects (MRP).
“In addition, a sum of RM799 million had been allocated to my Ministry of Infrastructure and Port Development. So we are going to have many more or better roads and bridges along the way.
“This will greatly enhance our basic infrastructures and particularly, rural connectivity and accessibility,” said Uggah in his Christmas message.
Expressing gratitude towards Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg for his leadership and vision, Uggah acknowledged the efforts made to ensure inclusivity and generosity within the Budget allocation.
Regarding the 2024 State Budget’s broader implications, Uggah highlighted it as the largest ever, underscoring Sarawak’s successful revenue reengineering efforts and prudent financial management.
“It reflects the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government’s continued commitment to create a better future for Sarawak under the theme ‘Development for All: Together, Building A Prosperous, Sustainable, and United Sarawak’.
“At the same time, this will surely boost government spending and stimulate the economy,” he said, while adding that the budget too will benefit every Sarawakians in one way or another.
Uggah also noted the wide-ranging benefits the Budget aims to provide for Sarawakians, detailing programmes from birth to adulthood
“Beginning with the Endowment Fund Sarawak (EFS), it will provide RM1,000 to every Sarawakian born from 2019 and which can only be withdrawn upon reaching the age of 18.
“Then, we have the Post Natal Assistance, where every mother who gives birth to a child will receive RM450, starting from 2020,” he said.
For the students, he said there is the RM500 book voucher and the free laptop for those from households with income of RM1,500 per month, free tuition and Uniform Assistance Programme for those from B40 households as well as local scholarships.
“Meanwhile, all Sarawakians who are holders of the Kenyalang Gold Card (KGC) are entitled to some discounts when shopping at participating supermarkets and shops,” he said.
He added for the KGC holders when he or she passed away, their next of kin will receive RM3,000 under Death Compassionate Assistance to cover the funeral expenses.
