Premier: Sarawak expected to achieve 5-6 pct economic growth in 2024

KUCHING (Nov 20): Sarawak is expected to achieve an economic growth of between five and six per cent next year, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

Abang Johari also said the proposed development-biased 2024 State Budget has allocated RM9 billion for development purposes, comprising 66 per cent of the total proposed expenditure for 2024.

“The state is committed to pursue inclusive economic growth, which is attested by a higher allocation budgeted for development purposes of RM9,038 million as compared to RM4,563 million for operating purposes next year,” he said when presenting the 2024 State Budget at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) today.

The major projects in the 2024 State Budget included RM550 million for the implementation of the People’s Projects; RM420 million for Rural Transformation Projects (RTP); RM200 million for Regional Development Agencies; and RM260 million for Minor Rural Projects (MRP).

“These projects are expected to generate significant economic multipliers for the state, create additional employment prospects for the local people and revitalise the construction and service sectors.”

Abang Johari said balancing urban-rural development and achieving sustainable urban-rural integration will be the key priority to ensure a balanced development in the state.

“Under the 2024 Budget, emphasis will continue to be given to providing basic infrastructure and services, to improve rural connectivity and accessibility that will drive economic growth and development in this area.

Under the 2024 State Budget, he said an allocation of RM662 million will be allocated for the implementation of various roads and bridges projects.

The projects included the design and construction of inner ring road in Kuching; replacement of seven temporary bridges under Phase 1 to permanent RC bridges; Marudi bridge over Batang Baram in Miri; Sungai Limbang bridge; and Sungai Bunut No.2 bridge.

He also pointed out there are the coastal road network and second trunk road projects costing RM11 billion under alternative funding initiative and the projects are at various stages of implementation.

Abang Johari said the state government has also prioritised expanding the coverage of safe and treated water supply across the state to provide a reliable and sustainable water supply.

“A sum of RM156 million will be allocated in 2024 for the implementation of continuation and new water supply projects under the Mid-Term Review of 12th Malaysia Plan.

Among the water supply projects are the construction of Salim Phase III plant in Sibu; Serian regional water supply Phase II; storage pond, intake weir and sump at Suai water treatment plant; Long Lama water supply Phase III; sludge treatment for Batu Kitang Plant in Kuching; and Gerigat water supply in Kebong.

“In addition, a total sum of RM552 million will be provided under the alternative funding initiative in 2024 to continue the implementation of water supply projects.”

Abang Johari said the state also aims to have a well-developed power infrastructure in place by 2030 with RM24 million being allocated in 2024 to achieve full coverage of electricity supply and reduce electricity interruption.

The electricity supply projects included connecting stand-alone Sarawak Alternative Rural Electrification Scheme (Sares) to Sarawak electricity grid; connection of off-grid Sares and solar hybrid scheme to existing electricity grid for villages; battery replacement and key component for stand-alone solar system; Sares battery replacements to ensure remote inaccessible communities and a 33-kilovolt Medium Voltage Covered Conductor (MVCC) from Nanga Gaat to Tunoh.

“Additionally, RM298 million will be provided in 2024 for the continuation projects under the Rural Electrification Scheme, and another RM1,600 million is required in 2024 under Alternative Funding for (these) projects.”

The projects are Rural Power Supply Scheme for High Voltage substations; Medium Voltage Covered Conductor (MVCC) overhead lines; The Rural Electrification Scheme (RES) for Last Mile Connections; stand-online off-grid Sares for remote rural communities and Additional Late Applicant Fund (Alaf) initiative for newly completed premises in rural areas after rural electricity infrastructures were completed.