LAWAS: Sarawak Development Bank (DBOS) has provided the state with an alternative source of funds to pay for strategic projects.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said this alternative funding was over and above the normal state budget.
“DBOS had enabled agencies under the Regional Corridor Development Authority (Recoda) to be provided allocation totalling RM4.5 billion to implement infrastructure and other pertinent development projects,” he said during an all-community dinner last Monday night.
The Upper Rejang Develop-ment Agency (URDA), Highland Development Agency (HDA) and Northern Region Development Agency (NRDA) were all given RM1.5 billion each to implement various projects to tap the potential of Sarawak’s hinterland, the highland and the northern region.
Citing Limbang and Lawas areas, he said the projects carried out under NRDA with funds from DBOS included roads, bridges and Lawas airport.
“The alternative funding approach could spare Sarawak from being overly dependent on Putrajaya to provide the funds for Sarawak’s infrastructure, utilities and amenities development,” he said.
But still the federal government cannot escape its obligation to provide funds to the state as stipulated in the Federal Constitution because various taxes collected in Sarawak such as corporate tax, income tax, road tax and even stamp duties all went into the federal coffers, he explained.
The dinner was organised in conjunction with the chief minister’s working visit here where chaired the State Development Coordination Meeting at a local hotel yesterday morning.
Yesterday, he inspected various local projects implemented or being planned to ensure they are done according to schedule.
