KUCHING: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is expected to table the revised 2023 Budget on Feb 24.
According to Anwar, the revised budget will not be tied to the budget presented by the previous government in October 2022.
He has also assured that Budget 2023 would meet the needs of every class of people and community group.
New Sarawak Tribune spoke to several members of public on their views on this matter.
SYUKRI MORNI, 42
(Entrepreneur)
With the revised Budget, I expect to see more funds allocated to infrastructure development and better internet connectivity in the rural areas of Sarawak. As an entrepreneur myself, I hope there’s a fund allocated for small entrepreneurs in helping them towards digitalising. I also hope the budget will introduce more affordable housing schemes for the B40 group in helping their burden due to the rising cost of living. The person with disabilities (PwD) communities should also not be sidelined and must be included in the budget.
SIJAH EJUT, 50
(Craft entrepreneur )
Basic infrastructure such as roads and water is essential for rural folk to carry out their daily work. Therefore, I hope to see an increase in allocation for this matter. The people in the rural areas need better road connectivity to transport the produce from the villages to sell and im lift the economy in the interior. In terms of entrepreneurship, I hope to see more fund allocated and subsidies provided as well as the economy is still recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic. As a longhouse chief, I also hope to see an increase in terms of allowance for the community leaders, longhouse chiefs, Kapitans, Penghulus so that it is on par with the standard of living in this present time.
AMIEZAN ABDUL HASSAN, 40
(Village chief)
Hopefully, the allocated budget for Sarawak will increase. Should there be an increase, it can be given to villages like Kampung Telok Melano where many projects are still pending due to lack of funds.
ABDUL RAHMAN HASSAN, 66
(Ketua kaum)
My main hope is to see more allocations on rural development as the rural population should not be left out in terms of health, education or economy. The role of community leaders and tribal chiefs (KMKK) should also be improved. Issues regarding the Employee’s Provident Fund (EPF) should also be resolved for the benefit of contributors.
