Secretary – General, Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew on CM 2022 budget

suppadmin | October 18, 2021

Sarawak Peoples’ United Party welcomes Sarawak’s Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari’s announcement on the 2022 budget recently as this budget is a whopping RM10.646 billion, of which RM 6.6 billion is for development while RM4.046 billion is for administrative expenses.

He said under Article 11 of the Emergency Act (Required Powers) (Sarawak) of 2021, the 2022 Sarawak Budget does not need to be approved by the Sarawak Parliament. The head of Sarawak has the power to approve it. However, under the principle of transparent governance, the Sarawak government still convenes the government and opposition. Members of political parties attended the briefing to explain the content of the budget.

“Despite the impact of the coronavirus on the global economy, including Malaysia and Sarawak, the Sarawak government still has the ability to introduce a budget of more than 10 billion ringgits, most of which are used for development purposes. This shows the people-oriented philosophy of the GPS Government which stimulates economic development and improves people’s living standards through development.The total revenue of the Sarawak government in 2022 is expected to reach RM1036 million, and a budget deficit of RM610 million is expected. We believe this is an understandable situation. As the COVID-19 pandemic has dealt a huge blow to the economy and people’s livelihoods, the Sarawak government has to take expansion measures to boost productivity and revive the economy. Besides, Sarawak government has not forgotten to implement the people’s and render financial assistance to business sectors during the epidemic through BKSS, ” he added.

Ting said Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari also announced the launch of the ” Sarawak Special Assistance Package 8.0″ (BKSS 8.0) with a total value of RM 285.47 million, covering the first six months of next year’s one-off financial assistance, including Electricity discounts (RM166.8 million) can benefit 647,000 users, water discounts (RM24 million) can benefit 646,131 users, and 50% HDC rental discounts (RM2.6 million) can benefit about 3200 people.

This, he said, Sarawak Special Assistance Package 8.0s benefit plan includes rent exemption (RM2 million) for premises leased by government affiliates to small and medium-sized enterprises in the retail sector, and 50% of the market and stalls under the local council are available. Enjoy a 50% rental discount (RM1.7 million) to benefit 10,165 people and 1,725 registered boatmen, licensed van operators, taxi drivers, school buses and van operators who are registered with the Sarawak Bureau, all receive a one-time RM500 Aid, as well as a one-time special aid payment of RM1,000 through Sarawak to 87,500 small traders.Under the 1st to 7th Sarawak Special Assistance Package, the Sarawak government has allocated a total of RM5.3 billion to assist the people of Sarawak to tide over the difficulties. More than 30 measures have been implemented in the package. Compared with other states in the country, Sarawak can be regarded as a model for helping the people during the COVID-19 pandemic, ” he added.

He added that the Sarawak People’s United Party welcomed the Sarawak Special Assistance Package 8.0 until June next year and is definitely good news for the people, businesses and hawkers in various fields, because it can ensure that during the transitional period of economic recovery, all walks of life and people still receive a certain amount of assistance, allowing them to focus on the pace of recovery.

“Our Chief Minister also brought good news to civil servants, offering a one-and-a-half month bonus to civil servants in Sarawak and a RM500 bonus to federal civil servants in Sarawak. This is to thank civil servants for their hard work during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially the dedication of frontline personnel.With the gradual opening of various sectors and the recovery of the global economy, Sarawak’s economy is expected to achieve 5% to 6% growth in 2022. As of September 15th, a total of 83.9% of the adult population in Sarawak has completed the vaccination. The current youth vaccination program and the intensive injection program for high-risk groups are also underway. We believe that under the leadership of the government of the Sarawak Coalition of Political Parties, Sarawak will eventually be able to overcome this pandemic crisis and proves its outstanding governance and ability to deal with economic challenges, “ he added.