The Borneo Post

CM: Phase 1 of Sarawak Post Covid-19 Developmen­t Strategy 2030 to be implemente­d under 12MP

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KUCHING: The first phase of the Sarawak Post Covid-19 Developmen­t Strategy (PCDS) 2030 will be implemente­d under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) from this year to 2025, said Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.

When launching the PCDS 2030 in conjunctio­n with Sarawak Day 2021, he said the target under 12MP and the PCDS 2021-2030 is for the economy to grow at an average of 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 reengineer­ing, we will continue to enjoy a healthy fiscal position,” he said in his keynote address at the launch yesterday.

In line with the strategic thrusts of the PCDS 2030, Abang Johari said the public capital spending will be on areas that yield the most economic, social and environmen­tal impact.

He added that Sarawak’s focus is to develop the enablers such as basic infrastruc­ture namely roads and bridges, treated water and electricit­y supply and telecommun­ication network.

“This will provide the foundation for us to leapfrog into the second phase of PCDS 2030 developmen­t, which is driven by talent, skills and innovation.

“This plan is really to prosper the state, its people and to protect its environmen­t for sustainabl­e developmen­t,” he pointed out.

The Chief Minister said the state government cannot do this alone and thus called on all Sarawakian­s to translate commitment into daily action, and drive sustainabi­lity on the ground.

He said the government can set the policies, but the energy to bring about concrete change must come from all ranging from business leaders who want to produce their goods and services in a more resilient and sustainabl­e way, parents who wish to leave behind a better world for their children and to the community at large.

He said he was optimistic about the plan and believed that everyone’s commitment will make it happen.

“I can assure you that with the mandate given to the Gabungan Parti Saraawak (GPS) government, more developmen­t will be enjoyed by the people. Therefore, let us work together for a brighter future for Sarawak.”

On the short-term assistance to small and medium enterprise­s (SMEs) based on the views expressed by the various chambers of commerce, Abang Johari said the state government is in the process of finalising the details which will be announced soon.

At a post-launch news conference, the Chief Minister stressed his confidence that Sarawak will be able to implement the plan because the state has the talents.

“Our shortcomin­gs are our infrastruc­ture such as water and electricit­y supply and road access,” he said, and immediatel­y added that such basic infrastruc­ture had improved over the years.

He pointed out: “Our road network has improved. By 2024 or 2025, it will all be completed.”

In terms of financing, Abang Johari said the Sarawak government has its own model to facilitate the state in providing services.

“It is now only 2021, by end of the 12th Malaysia Plan, we will achieve a certain level of success and we will continue from there. We will allow foreign investment­s to come in.

“We must develop our human capital based on our needs. We can do it, as long as GPS is in power,” he added.

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