SARAWAK recorded revenue of RM5 billion for the first quarter of this year, said Sarawak Premier Abang Johari Tun Openg. 

He said Sarawak’s united people and stable political situation enabled the state government to achieve the figure and focus on efforts to further boost the state’s economy. 

He was confident that the future of Sarawak’s younger generation would be brighter with a “new economy” development programme based on technology, data, and innovation. 

“For example, Sarawak already has some capability in producing hydrogen gas, which is used by several buses and vehicles powered by hydrogen fuel cells. 

“In addition, Sarawak has also proven to be capable of producing sustainable aviation fuel from algae,” he said in his message relating to the Gawai Dayak 2023 celebration, which begins tomorrow.

Last year, Sarawak’s total revenue increased to RM12 billion, compared to RM7.62 billion in 2021. 

Abang Johari hopes those celebrating Gawai Dayak will spend prudently. 

“Income from wages or lucrative earnings from agricultural activities can also be saved for long-term purposes such as investment in trust shares guaranteed by the government,” he said. 

He added that Dayaks have lands that should be used to generate income through various methods. 

He said the state government would continue to provide infrastructure to support development efforts in rural areas. 

“These efforts involve large expenses but I am confident that with the state’s increasing revenue it can be done in stages through several local development agencies set up by the state government,” he said. – Bernama, May 31, 2023.