LIMBANG: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has hinted that a form of assistance will be announced next week following the rising cost of living.
He said the announcement will be made after the State Cabinet Meeting (MMKN) and the aid could be extended to the people given Sarawak’s strong position and stable economy.
“Further details will be announced later. This assistance is expected to be implemented even though it requires substantial funding, as we have strong financial resources for this purpose,” he said.
He said this when delivering his address at the ‘Majlis Makan Malam Bersama Komuniti Limbang’ event here on Friday (Apr 10) evening.
Abang Johari said Sarawak has successfully built its own development ecosystem, supported by strong state-linked institutions and platforms.
“Alhamdulillah, not that we wish to boast, but we are thankful that we have successfully built our own ecosystem. While other states may not have their own television platforms, we do.
“While others may not have certain state-linked companies, we have established them,” he said.
Touching on energy, Abang Johari said Sarawak is in a favourable position due to its early investments in renewable resources.
While some states face energy shortages, he said Sarawak is blessed with renewable energy, adding that the state’s advancement in hydrogen energy is showing promising potential as recent studies indicate that producing hydrogen is now cheaper than diesel.
“Today, while others are concerned about diesel, we have long invested in hydropower – a legacy continued from past leaders and strengthened by the current administration.
“Diesel has become a topic of concern among the public. Based on our latest study on current diesel prices, we found that hydrogen production is now cheaper than diesel.
“In the past, hydrogen was more expensive, but this has changed due to global developments. This means we have chosen the right energy path to further drive our economic growth,” he said.
On development, Abang Johari pointed to the transformation of Limbang and Lawas as examples of Sarawak’s progress.
Recalling his early years, he said there were no hospitals or even clinics in Limbang when he was born in the 1950s, and he was delivered in a government bungalow by a village midwife.
“Today, Limbang has transformed significantly, even boasting the longest waterfront in Sarawak. We are now planning further development through better connectivity,” he said.
Abang Johari also highlighted that plans are underway to link Limbang and Lawas through new road networks, including routes through Gunung Mulu and Gunung Buda, connecting areas such as Long Terawan, Long Panai, Long Lama, and eventually reaching Marudi and Miri.
“This is part of our long-term planning to continuously strengthen our economy,” he said.
