KUCHING – Sarawak remains focused on achieving its goal of becoming a high-income and developed state by 2030, said Datuk Abang Johari Openg.
Under the Post-Covid-19 Economic Strategy and 2030 Development Agenda drafted by the state government, said the chief minister, Sarawak needs to see a gross domestic product growth of 8%, and not remain within the current 5% range.
“Although this rate is quite high, we need to have a quantum leap strategy and focus on key sectors by increasing GDP from RM133 billion a year to RM282 billion by 2030,” he said when addressing a state banquet in conjunction with the 84th birthday celebration of Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud at the state legislative assembly building here last night.
He said the state Economic Action Council was set up on May 6 to develop strategies based on three main pillars, namely economic prosperity, an inclusive society and environmental sustainability.
He said the government has outlined eight key sectors and identified catalytic initiatives to spur the economy post-pandemic.
These sectors will be steered and empowered through digital transformation, innovation, entrepreneurship, education, infrastructure, transportation and utilities, he said.
“All these efforts are aimed at (Sarawak) becoming a developed state, with its average household income rising from RM5,000 to RM16,000 by 2030.”
Abang Johari said the state administration aims to reduce the rate of low-income households from the current 53% to 30% in the next 10 years. – Bernama, October 11, 2020
