KUCHING: The state government has decided that it will fund its own road projects, bridges, electricity and water supply.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg (pic) said since Sarawak was a big state, it required a lot of money to develop.
“We have relied on the federal government to provide basic infrastructure and utilities, especially in the rural areas. However, the annual allocation provided by them is insufficient,” said Johari in his Christmas message here.
Therefore, he said, the state government had decided to fund its own projects.
“Most of these projects will be tendered openly beginning in the first half of the year and implemented after the successful contractors have been chosen,” he said.
Johari said he had already announced the largest budget for 2019 amounting to RM10.4 billion which the state was able to raise as a tax would be imposed on exported petroleum and petroleum-based products.
“The new tax allows Sarawak to have large budgets without using existing state reserves,” he said.
The chief minister stressed the state reserve would not be used but would continue to be strengthened.
“The Budget 2019 is a budget that has a surplus that will be put back into the state reserve,” he said.
He added that Sarawak had the biggest savings among the states as the government was spending prudently.
“For many years, Sarawak has received a “Clean Bill of Health” report from the Auditor-General which is proof that its finances are well-established,” he said.
Johari added that the budget would focus on development with an allocation of 30 percent for operating expenditure while 70 percent was for development.
“Sarawakians themselves have proven that they can govern their state well consistently and not just for political purposes.
“Therefore, I urge Sarawakians to stand strong and not be controlled by other parties during decision-making for the betterment of Sarawak,” he said.
“As we are stepping into 2019, I urge my brothers and sisters to continue strengthening our commitment to contribute to the harmony and progress of the state.”
