KUCHING: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg hopes that the Year of the Tiger brings the state prosperity, strength in unity, good health and the courage to weather any difficulties during this time of the pandemic.
He said the tiger is a magnificent animal and according to Chinese tradition, the tiger symbolises strength, courage and a defender against evil.
“In the current and difficult situation that we are facing, these traits of the tiger are indeed qualities that we need to overcome the challenges that are coming our way in order to overcome all adversities,” he said in his Chinese New Year (CNY) message.
Abang Johari said there was no denial that the pandemic had caused much disruption to the people’s life and the economy.
“Only our determination against all kinds of criticism and to make changes in the interest of our people and the economy has appeared to bear fruit now that the daily infection rate has gone down.
“As we enter Phase 4 of the National Recovery Plan (NRP), we still have to be vigilant to prevent another spike,” he said.
He also acknowledged that all the hard work of Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC), the frontliners and the well rolled out vaccination programme were paying off.
“Thus, I do hope that the few hundred thousand people who have not come forward to receive their booster doses would do so as soon as possible in order to further strengthen their immunity against COVID-19,” he said.
He pointed out that as Sarawak was now in Phase 4 of the National Recovery Plan (NRP), most sectors of the economy have opened and people are allowed to go back to work.
“But still, we will continue to assist to lessen the burden of our people with non-cash assistance under Bantuan Khas Sarawakku Sayang (BKSS) 8.0 as promised.
“Thank God, Sarawak is able to continue with the non-cash assistance, such as discounts to services which people in other states are not able to enjoy.
“Our revenue re-engineering has enabled the state to bring in more revenue that is returned to the people in many forms including the various assistance under BKSS 1.0 to BKSS 7.0,” he said.
He concluded his message by wishing all a “Gong Xi Fa Cai, Xin Nian Kuai Le”.
