Premier: Sarawak's GDP expected to surpass 5 pct this year
(Seated from left) Sagah, Uggah, Ting and Mancha in a photocall with other guests during the event.
MIRI (June 11): Sarawak's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth is expected to exceed 5 per cent by the end of this year, driven by strategic investments in infrastructure and green technology, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He attributed the state's strong performance to political stability, the people's unity, and policies implemented by the Sarawak government, which have begun yielding encouraging results.
Against the setting of Malaysia's GDP growth forecast of 4.4 to 5.5 per cent, Abang Johari said Sarawak's performance continues to be guided by the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, launched in July 2021 to transform Sarawak from a traditional economy to a new economy, centred on green growth policies.
He expressed optimism that the implementation of PCDS 2030 would enable Sarawak to achieve developed and high-income status by 2030, while also ensuring social inclusion and environmental sustainability.
'The almost threefold increase in state revenue, from around RM5 billion eight years ago to RM15 billion last year, gives us the confidence that we can achieve the PCDS 2030 goals,' he said.
Abang Johari's speech text was read by his deputy Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas during the 'Religious and Other Religions Thanksgiving Ceremony', held in conjunction with the state-level official birthday celebration of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong at Limbang Civic Hall today.
Also present were State Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development and minister-in-charge of the celebration, Dato Dri Roland Sagah Wee Inn; State Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industries and Arts Performance Sarawak Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew; and Sarawak Police Commissioner Dato Mancha Ata.
Meanwhile, a total of RM475 million in aid funds has been provided by Other Religious Affairs Unit (Unifor) to houses of worship, including those of Buddhism, Christianity, Taoism, Baha'i, Sikh, and Hinduism, based on the principle of social inclusivity.
These funds are meant for their construction projects, repairs, renovations, maintenance, and purchase of equipment and religious tools.
'In addition, Unifor has also provided a total of RM90 million to missionary schools in Sarawak since 2021. This means that RM565 million has been allocated to Unifor by the Sarawak government,' added Abang Johari.
Commenting on the event, he said it provides an opportunity for Sarawakians to witness the uniqueness of their culture.
'We are the only region in Malaysia that organises such thanksgiving ceremony as an annual event, held in conjunction with Sarawak's flagship celebrations such as today's event.
'This ceremony reflects the nature of tolerance, inclusiveness, respect, and understanding among our people who come from various religions and beliefs, yet are united in giving thanks and offering prayers for the wellbeing of His Majesty and the Queen,' he said. abang johari economic growth GDP
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