KUCHING: Why is Sabah getting more than Sarawak under the revised Budget 2023?
The Sarawak Patriots Association (SPA) is seeking an answer to this and more clarity to other measures announced under the budget by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Friday.
Its president Datuk Dr John Lau said though under the budget Sarawak has been allocated RM5.6 billion and Sabah RM6.5 billion, Sarawak deserves a one third share to enhance the speed of developing its infrastructure.
“In the last 12 hours, we talked to the public and the responses were the same – why does Sarawak get less than Sabah, and is it because we have more reserves?
“I think we deserve one third of the share from the budget, however, we hope to see the RM5.6 billion will be discussed in the State Legislative Assembly to decide which area and how the Sarawak government will spend the money,” he said when contacted by New Sarawak Tribune yesterday.
Lau noted that the public would to know how the allocation will benefit the people and asked for transparency and accountability on the matter.
Other than that, he lauded the emphasis to security in Sarawak and Sabah with the Indonesian border, including the focus on carrying out infrastructure projects like roads, streetlights, water and electricity supply in rural areas there.
“However, how much Sarawak is getting from the RM2.5 billion is yet to be known and also the RM205 million for air transport subsidies.
“Whether it is to subsidise air fare or improve the airports or use better aircraft, people are waiting for news,” he added.
The SPA president also applauded the federal government for seriously looking into online fraud by allocating RM10 million to strengthen its role in combating online scams and fraud.
This was in view of 25,000 scam and fraud cases with losses totalling RM850 million in 2022.
He hoped that with this allocation, soon there will be a uniform guideline to deal with scams and fraud.
Also he described the RM64 billion allocation as incentives and aid to minimise the cost of living through price control, financial aid and services to those who are affected as a positive sign that the government is serious.
He said this is a very good move as the cost of living is rising and the people are suffering.
“It is also good to note that for the first time, the federal government is implementing tax relief for the M40 group.
“There will be as much as two per cent cut in tax for those who are earning RM35,000 to RM100,000 per annum where this will help the M40 prevail during these tough times,” he said.
Lau also agreed with the revamp of the Insolvency Act 1967 to help those faced with bankruptcy.
While waiting for the amendment, small cases where the debt is less than RM50,000 and, subject to conditions, would be discharged immediately starting March 1.
This will give those who suffered business failures or loan defaults a second chance so that they can start a new life, he said.
