Latest news with #AbangJohari
New Straits Times
10 hours ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
S'wak pushing for Dayak community progress via free education, rural development
KUCHING: The Sarawak government is committed to enhancing the economic and social standing of the Dayak community through initiatives such as free higher education and the continued development of rural infrastructure. This, said Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg, was in line with the goals outlined in the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030). He said education remains the most powerful tool to ensure inclusive progress among all communities in Sarawak. "The Sarawak Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) is expected to cost the state RM300 million in its first year of implementation next year, benefitting around 10,000 students at four state-owned universities. "I believe this initiative will open doors for many Sarawakian youths, especially those from low-income families and rural areas, to pursue degree-level studies in selected fields," he said in his message ahead of the Gawai Dayak 2025 celebration tomorrow. Abang Johari said the programme covers full tuition fees and includes an annual living allowance of RM15,000 for students from households earning RM1,500 and below. He also said Sarawak's revenue has surged to RM15 billion in 2024, compared to RM6 billion eight years ago, enabling the state to intensify efforts in infrastructure development, including the construction of roads, bridges and coastal highways. He said the construction of bridges across the state reflects the state government's commitment to improving transportation infrastructure, thereby facilitating the movement of people, agricultural produce and local industrial goods. Meanwhile, the premier said the Sarawak government was considering a proposal to convert 5,000km of decommissioned logging roads, such as those in the Kapit division, into public roads. "If implemented, this plan would greatly improve rural connectivity with a more structured road system," he said.
Barnama
11 hours ago
- Business
- Barnama
S'wak Pushing For Dayak Community Progress Via Free Education, Rural Development
KUCHING, May 31 (Bernama)– The Sarawak government is committed to enhancing the economic and social standing of the Dayak community through initiatives such as free higher education and the continued development of rural infrastructure, in line with the goals outlined in the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030). State Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said education remains the most powerful tool to ensure inclusive progress among all communities in Sarawak. 'The Sarawak Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) is expected to cost the state RM300 million in its first year of implementation next year, benefitting around 10,000 students at four state-owned universities. 'I believe this initiative will open doors for many Sarawakian youths, especially those from low-income families and rural areas, to pursue degree-level studies in selected fields,' he said in his message ahead of the Gawai Dayak 2025 celebration tomorrow. Abang Johari said the programme covers full tuition fees and includes an annual living allowance of RM15,000 for students from households earning RM1,500 and below. Abang Johari also said that Sarawak's revenue has surged to RM15 billion in 2024, compared to RM6 billion eight years ago, enabling the state to intensify efforts in infrastructure development, including the construction of roads, bridges and coastal highways. He said the construction of bridges across the state reflects the GPS-led government's commitment to improving transportation infrastructure, thereby facilitating the movement of people, agricultural produce and local industrial goods. Meanwhile, the Premier said that the state government is considering a proposal to convert 5,000 kilometres of decommissioned logging roads, such as those in the Kapit division, into public roads. 'If implemented, this plan would greatly improve rural connectivity with a more structured road system,' he said.
Malay Mail
16 hours ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
Sarawak's RM6.8b rural budget boost to bridge urban-rural gap, says Uggah
KUCHING, May 31 — The increase in rural development allocation for this year's Sarawak budget is a reflection of the state government's unwavering resolve to narrow the rural–urban gap and ensure equitable growth. Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas recently said RM6.8 billion had been allocated under the Sarawak 2025 Budget for rural development, which rose from RM5.695 billion in 2024, indicating the State Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg's clear commitment to uplift the wellbeing of the rural communities. In his message for the Gawai Dayak festival, which begins tomorrow, Uggah said the rural development focus has seen major bridge projects being implemented as growth catalysts. 'Five (bridges) have already been completed, including the Batang Saribas 1 Bridge in Pusa, Betong and others such as the iconic Bintulu Jepak, Muara Lassa, Marudi and Batang Rajang bridges. 'Six more, including the nation's longest river bridge — Batang Lupar 1 — are expected to be completed by year-end,' said Uggah, who is also the State Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development. He said that Gawai Dayak should be accepted as a festival to bridge inter-racial relationships in Sarawak, which has been a pertinent essence for the state to continue progressing. 'Just as bridges connect our cities and villages, this Gawai season should also serve as a 'bridge' to strengthen the bond of friendship, unity and harmony among us all. Let us celebrate our diversity under the spirit of 'Segulai Sejalai' or Together in Unity,' he added. — Bernama
Free Malaysia Today
2 days ago
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Federal-Sarawak agreement exempts state from some PDA requirements, says Abang Jo
Premier Abang Johari Openg said Sarawak will ensure clear, stable regulations to support gas industry growth following the affirmation of its authority over distribution. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : The agreement by the federal and Sarawak governments as contained in their joint statement exempts the state from certain provisions under the Petroleum Development Act 1974 (PDA), said premier Abang Johari Openg. Abang Johari told the state assembly today the joint statement signed last Wednesday affirmed the recognition of Sarawak's executive authority over the distribution of gas within its territory and removed any perceived regulatory uncertainty. 'Federal laws like the Gas Supply Act 1993 do not apply to Sarawak, and the state is exempt from the requirements imposed by Sections 6(1) and 6(3) of the PDA to obtain the prime minister's permission to undertake distribution of gas business in Sarawak. 'This joint declaration reaffirms that federal and state laws on distribution of gas shall be respected by all persons undertaking the distribution and supply of gas in Sarawak,' The Borneo Post quoted him as saying. Last week, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the joint statement recognised Sarawak's growing capabilities and its rights under the PDA and the Distribution of Gas Ordinance, while preserving Petronas's strategic role at the national level. Among the matters in the joint statement is the understanding that all federal and Sarawak state laws related to the distribution of gas within the state must coexist and be respected by all parties conducting such activities in Sarawak, including Petronas and Petros. Petronas will continue to perform its functions, activities, responsibilities and obligations as mandated under the PDA and its associated regulations. Meanwhile, no Sarawak state law shall affect any agreements or arrangements between Petronas and its subsidiaries with third parties, including Petros, in relation to Petronas's activities in the state. Abang Johari said that with Sarawak's legislative and executive authority over gas distribution now affirmed, the state government would ensure regulatory clarity and stability to foster industry growth. 'Sarawak will implement its plans to increase gas production within its territory, sustainable utilisation of gas by industries, and for the production of clean energy,' he said. Such initiatives included the development of carbon capture and storage sites to tap into Sarawak's potential gas reserves off its western coast and to support the planned Kuching Low Carbon Gas Hub. 'All these projects will increase the gross domestic product for Sarawak by RM120 billion and create 185,000 high-income jobs,' he said.
Free Malaysia Today
2 days ago
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Sarawak charts greener path with Sustainability Blueprint 2030
Sarawak premier Abang Johari Openg at the launch of the Asia Carbon Conference 2025 in Kuching today. Others are Colombian ambassador to Malaysia Alejandro Rosselli Londoño (left) and Sarawak state secretary Abu Bakar Marzuki. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : Sarawak is leading the way as Malaysia's first state to launch a Sustainability Blueprint 2030, setting the pace for a greener future. State premier Abang Johari Openg said the blueprint, developed by the state's energy and environmental sustainability ministry, features 10 pillars with 48 strategies and 111 action plans. 'The Sarawak Sustainability Blueprint 2030 encompasses every facet of our sustainability agenda, designed to integrate green principles into the very fabric of our society and economy,' he said in his keynote address at the Asia Carbon Conference 2025 in Kuching today, Bernama reported. Abang Johari said the blueprint sets a strong example for environmental action at the state level. He said the strategic roadmap for Sarawak's transition to a green economy outlines the state's commitment to accelerating renewable energy adoption, advancing carbon capture and storage, and enhancing forest and land conservation. It includes promoting green industries and investments, building sustainable cities through circular economy practices and developing a future-ready workforce through education, skills and research. Looking ahead, he said, Sarawak has pledged to publish a comprehensive greenhouse gas inventory report by 2027 to track the state's emissions and stay within its carbon budget. Abang Johari also said the Sarawak government is finalising its own carbon plan aimed at facilitating carbon market investments. 'The carbon plan is pivotal to offer a detailed implementation framework designed to catalyse carbon trading and foster a vibrant carbon market. 'Central to the plan is its focus on establishing a well-regulated and investor-friendly carbon market that balances supply and demand, thereby incentivising emissions reductions and attracting green investments to Sarawak,' he said.
