Abang Johari (second right) officiates at the closing ceremony of the Land and Survey Department Sarawak Innovation and Integrity Day 2024. Photo: UKAS

UCHING: Sarawak will ensure that its people have a higher household income following its recent success in maintaining its high income status.

Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said that last year, the World Bank recognised the state as a high income state.

“Just recently, on July 4, the World Bank recognised and acknowledged that Sarawak continues to maintain its high income status.

“The state’s Gross National Income (GNI) per capita has risen to nearly USD17,000 this year, up from over USD 15,000 last year.

“Of course, we want to translate this to the ordinary citizen, meaning, we want to increase the people’s household income,” he said.

He said this during the Land and Survey Department Sarawak Innovation and Integrity Day 2024 closing ceremony at a hotel here last night (July 5).

bang Johari, who is also the Minister of Finance and New Economy, said despite such economic milestones, some individuals made remarks saying that there are still pockets of poverty in Sarawak.

“Sarawak, stretching from the south to the north, is as large as the entire Peninsula Malaysia.

“Hence, we have to upgrade the infrastructure and ensure people receive education. Then, poverty won’t be there or at least poverty is reduced.

“Given our vast area, just imagine how much funding is required? We can’t always depend on Putrajaya.

“That is why Sarawak provides its own fund first to repair our dilapidated schools and clinics… Without proper infrastructure, our rural areas continue to face challenges,” he said.

He reiterated Sarawak’s commitment to developing its rural areas, which is crucial for reducing poverty and improving livelihoods.

“When I became your leader, we rolled out RM20 billion from our own money to build roads, bridges, and ensure water and electricity supplies. The work is ongoing.\

“Besides that, among others, the state also wants to boost the people’s income including the farmers through modernising paddy cultivation,” he said.