THE 2021State Budget tabled by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg is well-thought out and inclusive, said Semop assemblyman Abdullah Saidol.
“This is probably the best budget tabled by any state, especially one that is generating a surplus of RM180 million,” he told reporters at a press conference yesterday (Nov 9).
He commended the RM9.8 billion budget as a reflection of the state government’s continuous efforts to focus on infrastructure development, despite the uncertainty of the economy due to the pandemic.
“About 67 percent of the total development expenditure in the budget is just for the implementation of programmes and projects in the rural areas.
“As a representative for rural areas, I am very pleased to acknowledge the RM400 million allocation for the implementation of Rural Transformation Projects (RTPs).
“This is very important as this would benefit those in rural areas, especially in carrying out small- and medium-sized infrastructure projects in the area,” he added.
Abdullah who is also the Corporate Affairs and Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) Assistant Minister, added the allocation of the RM41.3 million for the completion of infrastructure projects at Rural Growth Centres in Opar, Beladin, and Semop reflects the state government’s continuous efforts to develop rural areas and stimulate the socio-economic growth.
“Another initiative that we should give credit to our chief minister is the special assistance scheme for both fishermen and farmers, which each being allocated RM29 million and RM60 million, respectively.”
