Sarawak records 3.2% growth

State’s economy makes strides despite global upheavals

KUCHING: Sarawak was able to maintain positive economic growth at 3.2% last year despite facing global uncertainties and low crude oil prices.

Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said the state had made great strides in economic development over the years and exports improved this year amid economic improvement in other parts of the world.

He expected the state economy to further improve between 3.5% and 4.0%. “Our GDP per capita stood at RM46,514 and our external trade was worth RM116.3bil in 2016.

“Nevertheless, the challenge for us today is how to propel the econo my to greater heights, to achieve a highincome and advanced economy by 2030.

“We want to ensure that as our economy expands, it will provide more direct impacts and increase the income of our people,” he said at Yang diPertua Negri Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud’s 81st birthday celebration parade here yesterday.

Sarawak recorded a gross domestic product (GDP) of RM113.6bil last year.

Abang Johari said the state would continue to emphasise the development of TVET education to cater to the needs of industries by setting up technical and vocational training centres to complement those pro vided by the Federal Government.

The birthday celebration was a funfilled colourful occasion attended by thousands despite heavy rain in the morning.

A total of 81 contingents including uniformed bodies, government agencies, ministries and NGOs took part in the parade.

Bernama reported that former Sarawak Yang diPertua Negri Tun Abang Muhammad Salahuddin and former Sarawak chief minister, the late Tan Sri Adenan Satem, headed the honours list.

Both of them were conferred the highest award, Sarawak Satria Bintang Sarawak (SBS), which carries the title “Pehin Sri”.

The recipient list was followed by the conferment of the Datuk Patinggi Bintang Kenyalang (DP) Award, which carries the title “Datuk Patinggi”, to Abang Johari.

Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Rohani Abdul Karim and Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Richard Riot Jaem are among four recipients of the Panglima Negara Bintang Sarawak (PNBS) Award, which carries the title “Datuk Seri”.

Two other recipients are Sarawak Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Women, Family and Community Minister Datuk Fatimah Abdullah and former Sarawak state attorneygeneral Datuk Fong Joo Chung.