BY AMYRA VARKISA and ALEXANDRA LORNA
SIBU: Sarawak will fully repay all funds utilised under the Alternative Funding scheme by 2027, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said that approximately RM20 billion worth of Sarawak’s infrastructure development projects had employed this method.
“Some people do not understand what Alternative Funding is. They claim Sarawak is bankrupt because we are using money in advance. That is what I call unwise thinking.
“Our alternative funding is designed to ensure that our developers or those implementing our projects do not face delays.
“God willing, by 2027, our bridges — whether in Batang Lupar, Kemena, Marudi, Limbang, or Saribas — and all roads costing RM20 billion will be fully paid for,” he said.
Abang Johari who is Parti Pesaka Bumiputra Bersatu (PBB) president was speaking at the PBB Central Zone Delegates Conference held at the Sibu Indoor Stadium on Saturday (Jan 11).
“I see the people smiling, getting the Muara Lassa Bridge, they no longer need to wait for the ferry, and if their child is sick, they can go to the clinic even at midnight.
“And when the Batang Paloh Bridge and Batang Igan Bridge are completed these bridges will also open up new agricultural areas and others, extending even to Sibu,” he said.
He stressed that the Sarawak government aims to develop rural areas, especially in the central zone.
“Daro is connected to Pulau Bruit (with the completion of the Muara Lassa Bridge). God willing, soon, with the Tanjung Manis area. This is our development, and it is not just any development,” he said.
He added that the three bridges — Muara Lassa, Batang Igan, and Batang Paloh — are being constructed at a total cost of RM1.4 billion.
“At first, I was also afraid. When I announced it, I wondered if we would have enough funds, but Alhamdulillah, thanks to our prayers, Sarawak’s revenue has increased threefold.
“2020 was our highest year. In my budget, I said RM14 billion. That was in November. But by December, it increased further, and our revenue surpassed RM14 billion,” he added.
