S’wak govt to support rural folk through 2023 economic challenges

MIRI – The Sarawak government has pledged to help the rural community weather through economic challenges this year.

Deputy Public Health, Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Penguang Manggil said the rural folk must continue supporting the state government’s socio-economic plans to facilitate the efforts.

However, he said Sarawakians should brace themselves for tough times ahead this year, owing to an anticipated downturn.

Speaking during a community gathering in the Marudi town square here in northern Sarawak last night, Manggil said the state will continue to push for development projects in rural localities.

“We are preparing for what is going to be a very challenging year and we need the rural population to be continuously supportive of the state government. Despite the anticipated challenges ahead, we will continue to implement rural development projects,” he said.

“Places like Marudi district and other rural areas in Sarawak will continue to be the focus of development projects. However, it will take time to carry out these projects.”

Manggil, who is also the assemblyman for Marudi, called on all community leaders to unite the local community in facing challenges.

Meanwhile, Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian said the state government will continue providing allocations for basic infrastructure for Sarawak’s interior areas.

In his New Year’s message posted on social media, the Sarawak United People’s Party president said the state government needs another five years to fulfil its goals of seeing all rural areas fully developed with electricity, water supply, and roads.

Dr Sim also gave his assurance that the state government will continue with pro-development policies in the months ahead. – The Vibes, January 1, 2023