SARAWAK Premier Abang Johari Openg has proposed that a state trust fund be established under the Ministry of Finance to regulate federal government funds and projects approved for Sarawak.

He said this new approach was discussed with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in a meeting held yesterday.

“I proposed that a new approach be adopted in the central and state administrative system, and he has agreed in principle to review the federal-funded development projects in Sarawak,” Abang Johari told a press conference in Kuching today.

Citing an example, he said the RM4.6 billion development funding for the state in Budget 2022 could be put into the trust fund.

Abang Johari said the framework will be determined by a Ministry of Finance committee supervised by the prime minister.

Meanwhile, Abang Johari said Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof’s dual role as plantation industries and commodities minister was most appropriate considering that Sarawak is expected to become the country’s largest producer of palm oil in the next two years.

“In addition, carbon and hydrogen will be Sarawak’s new commodities, so the federal government will be able to help us in carbon trading at international level,” he said.

He said Kapit MP Alexander Nanta Linggi, who has taken over the Ministry of Works portfolio from Fadillah, would be able to ensure that rural infrastructure programmes in Sarawak continue to be improved.

Abang Johari said that besides focusing on improving badminton players, he also wanted football and sepak takraw to be developed in the state.

“We have several stadiums in Sarawak, while more mini stadiums will be built to propel Malaysian sports to greater heights,” he said. – Bernama, December 4, 2022.