JULAI 2023
Sarawak Breaks Record With Historic State Income, Achieves High-Income Status
KUCHING - Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Openg lauded the remarkable achievement of Sarawak, as the state's income for the previous year exceeded expectations, reaching a historical record of RM10 billion, nearly RM12 billion.
This outstanding milestone has attracted the attention of economic experts who have monitored the state's progress over the past six years, as well as the prestigious World Bank. Just two days ago, the World Bank officially recognized Sarawak as a high-income state, surpassing its 2030 target.
"And I didn’t know that people who are experts in monitoring our economic performance give us the rating not only in terms of our financial position 3A, but I didn’t know the World Bank is also looking at us. Actually our target was 2030 but then as you know the World Bank is a credible bank and based on international standards that we are now a high income state. It is quite an achievement" he said.
He said this when officiating at the 15th Association of Research and Development Movement of Singai Sarawak (Redeems) Gawai Gala Dinner 2023 at Redeems Centre, Singai tonight.
While acknowledging the significance of gross national income (GNI) per capita, Premier Abang Johari clarified that it differs from household income per capita. GNI serves as a statistical indicator of economic performance, providing assurance that the state is on the right track. The premier emphasized the importance of wealth redistribution to avoid disparities between the nation's substantial income and small household incomes.
"To address this scenario, we must redistribute wealth to the target groups. Sarawak has developed the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) based on three pillars: economic prosperity, social inclusivity, and environmental sustainability," Premier Abang Johari explained.
To achieve these goals, he said, Sarawak plans to invest in its basic infrastructure, such as digital infrastructure, connectivity, and road networks, including coastal roads also aims to improve water and power supply infrastructure to sustain economic growth and protect the environment.
“In order to get an increase in household income, we use our money to develop our basic infrastructure, that is why we go and develop our digital infrastructure, connectivity, road infrastructure including coastal roads and we have the federal government helping us with Pan Borneo Highway,” he added.
Looking ahead to 2030, Sarawak has substantial resources in green energy, social inclusivity, environmental sustainability, and economic prosperity. The state plans to engage in carbon trading, microalgae cultivation, and methanol production, aiming for self-sufficiency in methanol production next year.
"With that surely the income of the state will increase again but what GPS is concerned now is redistribution given back to people and we have the financial instrument for us to create and distribute the wealth of Sarawak to our people.”
“We have attained our high income status based on GNI, what we do now is to redistribute so that our household income will also increase over time hopefully by 2030. " he stated.
With the attainment of high-income status and the commitment to equitable wealth distribution, Sarawak stands on a strong footing. Premier Abang Johari called upon Sarawakians to unite in developing the country and the state, aiming to gain recognition not only from the World Bank but also from the global community.
Also present were Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah and REDEEMS President Datuk Peter Nansian, Deputy Minister for Transport (Aviation and Roads) Datuk Dr Jerip Susil, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak Datuk Snowdan Lawan, The Deputy Minister of Transport Dato Henry Harry Jinep. -Sarawakku
Sumber dari : Sarawakku