KUCHING: The federal government will ensure that Sabah and Sarawak will not miss out on infrastructure development projects.
The assurance came from in Economic Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali who said Putrajaya and the state government had agreed to work closely together to ensure that infrastructure development such as utility projects and upgrading of schools in both states would continue.
He said this at a press conference after making a courtesy call on Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg at his office at the Sarawak state legislative assembly building here yesterday.
In addition he said the federal government had decided to continue with the Pan Borneo Highway project in Sabah and Sarawak as the project would create economic opportunities.
He added that Abang Johari had in the meeting yesterday assured that he would work on strengthening relations with the federal government.
In another development, Azmin said Putrajaya would discuss further with the state government on its decision to impose to impose a five per cent sales tax on petroleum products produced in the state.
He said any increase in costs due to additional tax would lead to lesser demand as it would be more expensive than products produced in other oil producing countries.
“Nevertheless, we respect the proposal which had been tabled and I am taking a proactive stand to discuss the matter further with the Sarawak state government,” Azmin said adding that Petronas would also give their views on this.
