KUALA LUMPUR – Last Friday’s Budget 2021 did not sideline Sarawak, but will help the state prepare to become a developed state by 2030, said lawmaker Datuk Seri Rohani Abdul Karim.
The Batang Lupar MP for GPS said Sarawak also received a large amount of indirect allocation, as announced by Finance Minister Tengku Zafrul Tengku Aziz.
She said a sum had been provided for Sarawak’s Native Customary Right land perimeter survey, which was halted in Budget 2020.
“Sarawak will also receive a large amount of allocation that will directly benefit target groups, such as the monthly welfare aid as well as assistance for entrepreneurs through the Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Ministry.
“Sarawak will benefit from allocations channelled through other ministries. To me, there is no issue of Sarawak being sidelined. All these allocations will help Sarawak prepare to become a developed state by 2030,” she said when debating the Supply Bill 2021 in Parliament today.
Zafrul said when tabling the budget that Sarawak would receive RM4.5 billion in development allocation for the construction and upgrading of water and electricity infrastructure, roads, and health and educational facilities.
Rohani also said the federal government’s decision to expand mobile banking services in Sabah and Sarawak clearly demonstrated its concern about the people’s welfare.
“In Sarawak, especially in rural areas, people are forced to wait in long queues just to withdraw money due to lack of access to banking services.
“There are some who are willing to come to the bank and wait outside the premises as early as 4am to avoid the long queue,” she said.
Zafrul said the move could help communities with difficulties accessing basic banking services such as fund transfers, bill payments and money withdrawal. – Bernama, November 9, 2020
