Latest news with #PCDS
Borneo Post
a day ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Proposed centre to safeguard Sarawak's native heritage, says minister
Sikie (second left), Deputy Minister in the Premier's Department (Native Laws and Customs) Datuk Jefferson Jamit (second right) and other dignitaries show the newly launched books. — Sarawak Public Communications Unit photo KUCHING (Aug 9): Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai has voiced full support for the proposal to establish a dedicated Customs, Culture and Tradition Centre for the Sarawak Council for Native Customs and Traditions (Mais). The Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department described the initiative as timely and strategic in ensuring the preservation, development and promotion of the state's indigenous customs and culture can be carried out in a more systematic, professional and impactful manner. 'It is time for Mais to play a more cohesive role in strengthening the preservation of customs and culture, which are not only the identity of this state but also an important asset to the socio-economic development of Sarawak,' he said when officiating the Mais Innovation Day 2025 programme and Book Launching Ceremony at a hotel in Kuching on Friday night. He added the initiative was in line with the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, which emphasises transformation through innovation, social inclusion and sustainable development. 'Mais' involvement in sparking creative and innovative ideas, as well as publishing books based on research and writing on the customs, culture and traditions of Sarawak's native community is very appropriate and aligns with its role and function, particularly in engaging the younger generation,' he said. The proposal to set up the centre was announced alongside the launch of five books on native customs and culture, which include works on Bidayuh and Melanau heritage. heritage John Sikie Tayai native
The Sun
a day ago
- Business
- The Sun
Sarawak aims to streamline petrol station construction for economic growth
KUCHING: Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC) Sarawak is working to speed up and simplify petrol station construction processes. This initiative supports the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 and Bureaucratic Red Tape Reform Programme (RKB). MPC Deputy Director-General Dr Mohammad Norjayadi Tamam stated that reducing regulatory hurdles will attract investment and enhance productivity. 'A smoother process will improve fuel access in rural areas and create job opportunities,' he said. He added that these improvements will foster a transparent and competitive investment environment. A two-day engagement session was held to identify inefficiencies in petrol station approvals. The session aimed to eliminate overlapping procedures and draft high-impact solutions for faster processing. MPC expects streamlined approvals to accelerate energy infrastructure development. Benefits include lower costs, shorter waiting times, and expanded fuel coverage in strategic areas. 'This project will serve as a model for improving other development permits in Sarawak,' the agency said. The initiative could attract more domestic and foreign investment by ensuring stable energy supply. MPC hopes this effort will strengthen investor confidence in Sarawak's economy. It also aligns with Malaysia's goal to rank among the top 12 most competitive nations by 2030. - Bernama
Borneo Post
4 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Premier: Financial transformation crucial for Sarawak's 2030 vision
Abang Johari delivering his keynote address at the PSFTC 2025 in Kuching today. – Photo by Mohd Faisal Ahmad KUCHING (Aug 6): Financial transformation is no longer a matter of choice but a necessity for Sarawak, as it underpins the state's ambition to become a high-income, low-carbon economy by 2030, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. He said the rapidly evolving global landscape has made the role of public finance more critical than ever, particularly in maintaining fiscal discipline, enabling sustainable development, and building public trust. 'Public finance is more than just numbers in a budget. It is the lifeblood of governance, the engine of development, and the bridge between policy aspirations and delivery. 'The strength of our public financial management determines our ability to deliver services, invest in infrastructure, address inequality, and ensure intergenerational equity,' he said in his keynote address at the Public Sector Financial Transformation Conference (PSFTC) 2025 here today. Abang Johari stressed that in the face of global challenges such as climate change, digital disruption, and geopolitical uncertainty, efficient financial management is no longer sufficient. 'We must now transform them. We must embed resilience, sustainability, transparency, and innovation into the very fabric of public financial governance,' he said. He said under the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, Sarawak has adopted a development-centric fiscal policy guided by the principles of fiscal prudence and discipline, results-based budgeting, revenue diversification, and investments in catalytic sectors and the green economy. 'One of the significant milestones in our journey is the ongoing transition to accrual accounting under the Malaysian Public Sector Accounting Standards (MPSAS). 'This move will enable more accurate, complete, and transparent financial reporting, giving stakeholders a clearer picture of public assets and liabilities,' he said. He also commended the Sarawak State Treasury Department for its leadership in the move from cash-based to accrual accounting. 'Let us ensure that the implementation of accrual accounting is not merely a compliance exercise, but a platform for better policymaking and resource allocations,' he said. Despite global economic headwinds, he noted that Sarawak remains fiscally strong. 'We continue to maintain a health cash reserve, invest in long-term infrastructure and social capital, and pursue revenue reengineering through mechanisms like the state sales tax (SST), carbon trading framework, and public-private partnerships (PPP).' Abang Johari called for a 'whole-of-government and whole-of-society' approach to drive the state's financial transformation, stating that 'financial transformation is not the job of accountants alone.' 'I urge all ministries, departments, agencies, statutory bodies and government-linked companies (GLCs) to embed performance and outcomes into every budget; embrace digital tools to enhance transparency and efficiency; invest in talent development and capacity-building; and champion accountability as a shared responsibility,' he said. Organised by the Sarawak Centre of Performance Excellence (SCOPE) in collaboration with the Sarawak Treasury Department, the PSFTC brought together more than 250 senior officials, department heads, and finance professionals from across Sarawak and Malaysia. Themed 'Strengthening Public Finance for a Sustainable Future', the conference aimed to enhance public sector financial practices amid economic uncertainties, technological disruption, and growing demands for fiscal accountability. Also present were State Food Industry, Commodity, and Regional Development Minister Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom; State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki; Sarawak Accountant General Datu Elean Masa'at; Auditor General of Malaysia Datuk Seri Wan Suraya Wan Mohd Radzi; and SCOPE chief executive officer Joseph Lim.
Borneo Post
4 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Datuk Amar Juma'ani Bridge symbolises Sarawak's remarkable transformation, says Uggah
Abang Johari (front fourth right) launches the Datuk Amar Juma'ani Bridge. He is flanked by Uggah and his daughter Dayang Norjihan. – Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (Aug 6): The Datuk Amar Juma'ani Bridge, which was officially launched during a grand ceremony last night, stands as an iconic symbol of Sarawak's remarkable transformation. In saying this, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the bridge is a proud representation of the progress and innovation driven by the state government under the leadership of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. 'This bridge is more than just a physical structure. It is a reflection of our commitment to economic prosperity, social inclusivity, and environmental sustainability, which are the three main pillars of our Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030,' Uggah said in his speech. He cited the bridge's distinctive features, including its 114.34-metre span supported by 32 cable stays from a single 52.1-metre-high tower – the first bridge of its kind in Malaysia. The RM50.665 million project also includes four traffic lanes, pedestrian walkways, and sufficient clearance underneath for river navigation. He praised the Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR) and its contractors for overcoming various challenges to complete the project, which was originally scheduled for three years but then extended to five. 'This is one of 17 bridges being constructed across Sarawak today with a total allocation of RM6.3 billion. These developments are made possible by the state's own revenue, thanks to the strategic and courageous leadership of our Premier,' he said. Uggah also backed the proposal to rename the structure in honour of the Premier's wife, who passed away in June. He said the renaming would ensure her legacy is remembered for generations to come. 'I fully support the proposal to name this bridge after the late Datuk Amar Juma'ani. She was a woman of great compassion and unwavering dedication to the people of Satok and Sarawak, and served the community faithfully alongside the Premier since 1981. 'This bridge, if named in her honour, will not only connect two riverbanks, but also serve as a lasting reminder of her contributions and the values she embodied which are kindness, humility and service,' he said. Reflecting on Sarawak's development, he credited Abang Johari's leadership for propelling the state's transition from a traditional economy to a modern, high-tech, and green economy, now recognised globally. He also cited international recognition for Sarawak as a low-carbon industrial cluster and the state's emergence as a regional energy hub for hydropower, solar, and hydrogen. 'From RM6.8 billion in 2017, our revenue has grown to RM14.2 billion in 2024. Sarawak was recognised by the World Bank as a high-income region since 2023, seven years ahead of our original target. 'These achievements, alongside major infrastructure projects such as the Hydrogen-Powered Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) and the RM1.78 billion Kuching ring road, are clear signs of how far we have come,' he stressed. He called on Sarawakians to remain united and to continue supporting Abang Johari's leadership for the betterment of future generations. 'We are entering a new era for Sarawak, and with bridges like this, both literal and symbolic, we will continue moving forward together. Let this bridge be a testament to our aspirations and to the people who have helped shape this journey,' he added. Related stories: Douglas Uggah Embas lead Sungai Bintangor Bridge
Borneo Post
5 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sg Bintangor Bridge symbolises Sarawak's remarkable transformation, says Uggah
Abang Johari (front fourth right) launches the Sungai Bintangor Bridge. He is flanked by Uggah and his daughter Dayang Norjihan. – Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (Aug 6): The Sungai Bintangor Bridge, which was officially launched during a grand ceremony last night, stands as an iconic symbol of Sarawak's remarkable transformation. In saying this, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the bridge is a proud representation of the progress and innovation driven by the state government under the leadership of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. 'This bridge is more than just a physical structure. It is a reflection of our commitment to economic prosperity, social inclusivity, and environmental sustainability, which are the three main pillars of our Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030,' Uggah said in his speech. He cited the bridge's distinctive features, including its 114.34-metre span supported by 32 cable stays from a single 52.1-metre-high tower – the first bridge of its kind in Malaysia. The RM50.665 million project also includes four traffic lanes, pedestrian walkways, and sufficient clearance underneath for river navigation. He praised the Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR) and its contractors for overcoming various challenges to complete the project, which was originally scheduled for three years but then extended to five. 'This is one of 17 bridges being constructed across Sarawak today with a total allocation of RM6.3 billion. These developments are made possible by the state's own revenue, thanks to the strategic and courageous leadership of our Premier,' he said. Uggah also backed a proposal to rename the structure Datuk Amar Juma'ani Tun Tuanku Bujang Bridge, in honour of the Premier's wife, who passed away in June. He said the proposed renaming would ensure her legacy is remembered for generations to come. 'I fully support the proposal to name this bridge after the late Datuk Amar Juma'ani. She was a woman of great compassion and unwavering dedication to the people of Satok and Sarawak, and served the community faithfully alongside the Premier since 1981. 'This bridge, if named in her honour, will not only connect two riverbanks, but also serve as a lasting reminder of her contributions and the values she embodied which are kindness, humility and service,' he said. Reflecting on Sarawak's development, he credited Abang Johari's leadership for propelling the state's transition from a traditional economy to a modern, high-tech, and green economy, now recognised globally. He also cited international recognition for Sarawak as a low-carbon industrial cluster and the state's emergence as a regional energy hub for hydropower, solar, and hydrogen. 'From RM6.8 billion in 2017, our revenue has grown to RM14.2 billion in 2024. Sarawak was recognised by the World Bank as a high-income region since 2023, seven years ahead of our original target. 'These achievements, alongside major infrastructure projects such as the Hydrogen-Powered Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) and the RM1.78 billion Kuching ring road, are clear signs of how far we have come,' he stressed. He called on Sarawakians to remain united and to continue supporting Abang Johari's leadership for the betterment of future generations. 'We are entering a new era for Sarawak, and with bridges like this, both literal and symbolic, we will continue moving forward together. Let this bridge be a testament to our aspirations and to the people who have helped shape this journey,' he added. Related stories: Douglas Uggah Embas lead Sungai Bintangor Bridge
