Sarawak okays RM10.1 bil budget for 2022

KUCHING – Sarawak Chief Minister Datuk Abang Johari Openg has announced a budget of RM10.136 billion for next year as the state government plans to focus on helping the people and economy recover from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

He said Sarawak Budget 2022 was formulated against the performance of global and domestic economies, as well as the state’s growth forecast for next year. 

“With the estimated revenue of RM10.036 billion and an expected expenditure of RM10.646 billion, the state budget is expected to incur a deficit of RM610 million.

“It is critical at this juncture, given the devastating impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic to the state economy and the livelihoods of the people. The state government ought to embark on fiscal expansionary policies to boost productivity and revive the economy,” he told a press conference after presenting the budget to assemblymen during a special meeting at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching here today.

Abang Johari said in line with the powers entrusted in the Sarawak chief minister or the state financial authority under Section 11 of the Emergency (Essential Powers) (Sarawak) Ordinance 2021, he approved Sarawak Budget 2022 with the consent of the state cabinet yesterday.

Earlier, State Assembly Speaker Datuk Amar Mohd Asfia Awang Nassar said the need for the budget to get state assembly approval was not compulsory, as enshrined under Section 11 of the Emergency (Essential Powers) (Sarawak) Ordinance 2021.

Abang Johari, who is also state finance and economic planning minister, said among the core strategies underlined in the budget was the proposed Housing Deposit Assistance Scheme, allocated up to RM10,000 to help those in the B40 and M40 groups make homeownership deposit payments.

“The budget will also help people through Bantuan Khas Sarawakku Sayang 8.0 – where RM285.47 million will be allocated next year – and provide electricity bill deductions and a one-off grant of RM500 to passenger boat operators, as well as taxi, school bus and van drivers,” he said.

Moreover, Abang Johari said Sarawak civil servants would be given a one-and-a-half month salary bonus and RM500 for federal civil servants in appreciation of their services and contribution in managing government machinery, especially during the challenging pandemic situation. – Bernama, October 12, 2021