RM4.5 bil from Sarawak state resources to be channelled for development corridors

MIRI (Nov 5): The Sarawak state government will give a total of RM4.5 billion to the Highland and Baram Regional Development Corridors, both in northern Sarawak, as well as the Rejang Development Corridor in central Sarawak.

Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Openg said the funds, equally divided among the three, is to provide for roads, electricity, water supplies and other basic needs.

He was reported by The Star saying, “We have the RM4.5 billion already. It's from our state resources but not from the state monetary reserves. We will not touch money from the state reserves.”

The announcement was made at the Sarawak-level Orang Ulu symposium in Miri on Sunday (Nov 4), which was organised by the Federation of Orang Ulu Sarawak to look into the progressive development of the minority Orang Ulu ethnic groups in this state.

Sarawak’s reserves, totalling RM31 billion, made headlines in June when Deputy Chief Minister James Masing proposed the funds should be utilised before the next state elections to prevent the incoming government from gaining favour with the Sarawakians when make use of the money for development.

The statement shocked state opposition, PKR Sarawak chief Baru Bian, who was concerned such a proposal could lead to imprudent spending on unnecessary projects by the state government, led by Gabungan Parti Sarawak, a rebrand of former Barisan Nasional parties.