KUCHING: Second Minister of Finance Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh has called for more allocation of funds from the federal government to assist in efforts of developing the state, especially in rural areas.
“These rural areas in Sarawak are still largely underdeveloped as compared to our counterparts in Peninsular Malaysia.
“The federal allocation received by the state thus far, under the respective Malaysia Plan, is inadequate and not equitable to its contribution.
“It does not commensurate with its development status which is far lagging behind that of Peninsular Malaysia,” he said during his winding-up speech at the State Legislative Assembly sitting here yesterday.
He said that more funds are needed to bridge the development gap between Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia, as well as the development disparity between the urban and rural areas in the state. We will continue to actively engage with the federal government for consideration of more funding.
“With additional federal funding and assistance, we would be able to achieve greater progress, especially in required infrastructure facilities for the state.
“Apart from improving the quality of life of the people of Sarawak, it would also improve the overall attractiveness and competitiveness of Sarawak to potential investors.
“These economic activities would accelerate and further spur the economic growth of the state and the country to becoming a high income economy,” he said.
