KUALA LUMPUR: Sarawak is optimistic that its state revenue will continue to grow over the next two to three years, driven by the state’s strong economic performance this year, said Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

He noted that Sarawak generated RM4.798 billion in revenue in the first quarter of this year, indicating that the state is on the right path towards becoming a high-income state through the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030.

Abang Johari, who is also the Gedong state assemblyman, attributed the growth to the state government’s efforts to strengthen new economic sectors and explore technology and digitalisation across various fields.

‘Sarawak’s state revenue is set to transform. I am confident that our revenue will continue to rise over the next two to three years.

‘We need to be bold in changing the mindset of the people, especially in rural areas, and in adopting technology. By doing so, we can transform the entire value chain of our economy,’ he said during a town hall session on
the Sarawak Budget Discussion at the PAUM Clubhouse, Universiti Malaya (UM), here today.

Also in attendance were Sarawak Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi, UM vice-chancellor Datuk Seri Prof Dr. Noor Azuan Abu Osman, and over 400 Sarawakian students from 12 public universities in Peninsular Malaysia.

Organised by UM’s Sarawak Students Association, the town hall aimed to provide a platform for students and Sarawakians to share their views, input, and feedback in shaping the state budget.

During a press conference later, Abang Johari mentioned that the acquisition of MASwings Sdn Bhd by the Sarawak government is not merely for commercial purposes but to turn it into an infrastructure entity.

He added that this initiative aligns with Sarawak’s proposal to build a new international airport, to establish Kuching as a regional aviation hub.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency