KUCHING: Chief Minister, Datuk Patinggi (Dr) Abang Johari Tun Openg said the state government under his leadership was striving to raise the state’s revenue from various sources. He said Sarawak was fortunate to have value added resources that accounted for the third largest contributor to the gross domestic product (GDP) at present.
“We are looking at the various constitutional aspects on how we can levy taxes on our existing resources to increase state revenue, thereby raising the state’s economy,” he said when opening the national level 83rd Royal Malaysian Customs Department (RMCD) Directors Meeting here yesterday.
Johari stressed the state government needed to increase its revenue in order to implement various developments, especially to develop infrastructure facilities in the rural areas. He said the state government appreciated the contribution of the RMCD and had approved the project to improve facilities and upgrade the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine Complexes in Tebedu near here and Sungai Tujuh in Miri.
In view of the demanding challenges currently faced by RMCD due to the changing economic landscape as well as the rapid technological development changes, he urged RMCD to use the latest technology, including in enforcement duties.
Touching further on Sarawak’s digital economic development, he said it was implemented for the purpose of managing the state economy more efficiently. “The role of technology is very crucial, we have no other choices but to switch to the use of new technology if we want to advance,” he said.
Johari added Sarawak lagged behind in terms of connectivity and, as such, the state would spend RM1.5 billion (RM1 billion from state government and RM500 million from federal government) to enhance its internet penetration and infrastructure.
“Sarawak has a long border and we have very close ties with neighbouring countries, Indonesia and Brunei, but we need advanced infrastructure at the border and that is the problem being faced by our departments and agencies that are operating at the state’s border areas,” he added.
