SIBU: The increased allocation of RM5.6 billion to Sarawak in Budget 2023 shows the close collaboration between the Sarawak government and Putrajaya, said Daro assemblyman Safiee Ahmad.
He said there was an increase of RM440 million compared to the previous allocation which shows the federal government’s commitment to the welfare and rural development needs of the state.
“However, I think that Sarawak should receive a larger allocation compared to other states in line with Sarawak’s status as a partner in the formation of Malaysia as well being the largest state in Malaysia,” he said in a statement today.
Safiee noted that the state needed a larger allocation to bridge the development gap between rural and urban areas.
Nonetheless, he appreciated the federal government’s concern towards the development of basic facilities such as electricity supply, clean water supply and road connectivity projects by allocating more than RM2.5 billion.
“Budget 2023 allocates RM55.2 billion to the Ministry of Education of which RM2.3 billion is earmarked to upgrade the buildings and infrastructure of 380 poor schools, especially in Sabah and Sarawak.
“The budget also recognises Sarawak as a key player capable of playing the role of an economic driver in line with the announcement by the President of Indonesia to move its capital to Kalimantan,” he said.
Therefore, he said allocating RM1 billion to develop cities bordering Kalimantan, such as Ba’kelalan will not only open the door to economic growth, but will also indirectly promote Sarawak’s culture and uniqueness to foreign countries.
“This will further create job opportunities for the local people as well as ensure coordinated development in both urban and rural areas,” he said.
Safiee also said that the federal government also recognises the state government’s initiative and effort to create environmental sustainability and a green economy.
“This is evidenced by Bank Negara’s announcement of providing a loan of RM2 billion for any green technology start-up company and fostering the awareness of small and medium entrepreneurs towards the practice of low carbon activities.
“As approved by the Sarawak government last May, the state will create a revenue drive through a green economy based on renewable energy and carbon storage areas or better known as ‘carbon storage’.
“This shows that Sarawak’s struggle is well supported by the federal government in curbing the impact of global change that we often hear and see recently with the frequency of natural disasters such as landslides in Pahang and flash floods in several parts of the peninsula,” he said.
