‘Federal funds needed for state’s infrastructural projects’
KUCHING: Sarawak will continue to seek for more funds from the federal government to finance much-needed infrastructural projects in the state.
Second Finance Minister Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh said more federal funds would be required to implement projects such as roads and bridges, basic facilities and amenities as well as medical facilities and services.
“In addition, federal funding is critically required in rebuilding our dilapidated schools especially in the rural areas to create a conducive learning environment for our young generations.
“Both the state and federal governments will intensify programmes to transform the rural areas and to uplift the quality of life of the people,” he said when delivering his ministerial winding-up speech yesterday.
Wong then extended his gratitude to See Chee How ( PKRBatu Lintang) for making positive remarks as well as supporting the state’s prudent and sound financial management.
“Be rest assured that we will definitely continue to move on with even greater zest and strive to strengthen our financial management and manage our financial resources wisely and prudently,” he said.
He also responded to a point related to revenue from timber raised by See who said the RM100 million revenue from hill timber premium appeared to be far short of the revised target of RM300 million.
“This is based on the new premium rate of RM50 per cubic metre compared to the old rate of between 80 sen and RM3 per cubic metre, which only came into force on July 1 this year.
“The revised revenue from forest royalty for this year is estimated at RM343 million against the target of RM520.15 million due to the decline in royalty collection which is consistent with the anticipation of less production of logs,” added Wong.
The minister also called upon civil servants to uphold good governance, transparency, accountability and integrity in the work culture.
He said these were vital attributes to gain the trust and confidence of the people as well as meeting their expectations of the government’s delivery system.
The progress and development of Sarawak hinged on its competitiveness and ability to drive its development strategy, particularly digital economy, rural transformation and facilitating investment for the future as well as enabling the private sector as the main engine of growth.
“This requires collective effort of all stakeholders in leveraging on the strength and structure of our economy, the quality and talent of our human capital and most importantly, our political stability and unity of our people.
“We must value and preserve Sarawak’s admirable social harmony, ethnic diversity and political stability that we have been enjoying to attract many more investors, tourists and friends to Sarawak,” he said.