KUCHING: Sarawak’s aspiration to achieve developed state status is within reach under the visionary and transformational leadership of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Snowdan Lawan said Abang Johari’s leadership has set a clear direction for Sarawak to become a developed state, potentially within the next decade.
“A realistic vision has been laid for us to achieve, and the Premier has invited all Sarawakians to join this mission to ensure prosperity for the state and its people,” he said in a statement issued in conjunction with the Premier’s eighth year in office.
Snowdan, who is the Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) Youth chief, highlighted the groundwork laid by Abang Johari, particularly in revenue re-engineering strategies, which have significantly boosted the state’s economy.
“The state’s achievement of high-income status by 2022, with a Gross National Income (GNI) per capita of USD13,205, and it further rise to USD16,650 in 2023 — was achieved seven years ahead of 2030 schedule and endorsed by World Bank last year,” he said.
He daid Sarawak has also recorded a robust revenue growth, enabling the state to allocate double-digit annual budgets in recent years.
“We expects this positive trend to continue, driven by sources such as the State Sales Tax (SST) on petroleum products, inland revenue collections, export earnings, tourism receipts, and projected income from Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros),” he said.
Snowdan pointed out several initiatives spearheaded by the Premier to further strengthen the state’s economy, and it include ventures into green and hydrogen economy sectors, which are anticipated to boost the state’s coffers in the coming years.
“Infrastructure development has also seen substantial progress, with the completion of mega projects such as roads and bridges.
“These developments accelerate the movement of goods, ease business activities, open up land banks, and improve connectivity between rural and urban areas,” he said.
He added the plans to establish international schools aim to meet the demand for professional human capital in industries such as construction, aviation, agriculture, semiconductors, oil and gas, digital economy, and automotive sectors.
Additionally, the proposed construction of a deep-sea port and a new airport within the next five years — requiring billions in investment —
are bold moves to further Sarawak’s economic growth and tourism potential.
“The acquisition of an airline and a commercial bank, both brainchild of the Premier, are strategic moves that will enable us to capture a larger share of tourist arrivals from Asia, the Middle East, and Europe,” he said.
With all these initiatives and plans laid out by the Premier, he urged all Sarawakians to rally their full support behind the remarkable leadership by Abang Johari.
“The initiatives by Premier had shown success stories for the state over a short period of eight years.
“Let us consolidate our efforts and turn our dreams into reality that is to be come a developed state and simultaneously alleviate poverty,” he said.
