Masing: RM63 bln for infrastructure devt correct approach to eradicate poverty
Channeling an estimated RM63 billion state government funding to infrastructure development under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) from this year to 2025 is a correct approach to eradicate poverty in Sarawak, says Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Masing.
The deputy chief minister said he was delighted to note that the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, which Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg launched earlier yesterday, would focus on driving the economy through infrastructure development.
“Unless and until Sarawak develops its infrastructure and creates accessibility to all regions in the state, we will not be able to eradicate poverty in Sarawak,” he said in a statement yesterday.
Masing said the chief minister had pointed out in his keynote address that in the next five years, Sarawak would be ready to move forward when infrastructure development projects such as coastal highway, second trunk road, bridges and Pan Borneo highway are completed.
Masing, who is also Minister of Infrastructure and Ports Development, said China was a classic example of a country able to eradicate poverty, particularly in rural areas, through infrastructure development.
“They spent billions in building infrastructure all over China.
Now China is the second richest nation in the world, which was a poverty-stricken country in the 1950s.
“The Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government led by Abang Johari is doing the correct way to eradicate poverty in Sarawak,” he said.
Masing added that Sarawakians must know that change for the sake of changing ‘is not the best for this country’.
Earlier yesterday, Abang Johari launched the PCDS 2030, aspiring to transform Sarawak into a thriving society driven by data and innovation to enjoy economic prosperity, social inclusivity and sustainable environment.
He said the first phase of PCDS 2030 would be implemented under the 12MP
“The target under 12MP and PCDS 2021-2030 is for the economy to grow six to eight per cent per annum.
“The Sarawak government has committed an estimated RM63 billion to implement PCDS 2030 under the 12MP whereby, RM30 billion will come from direct development expenditure and RM33 billion from alternative funding.
“Through this creative financial modelling and revenue re-engineering, we will continue to enjoy a healthy fiscal position,” the chief minister said at the launch of PCDS 2030 in conjunction with Sarawak Day 2021.