Chief Minister says growth exceeded expectations due to several major projects implemented under SCORE
KUCHING: Sarawak’s economy has grown by 5.4 per cent this year, exceeding the projected 4.5 per cent thanks to several major projects implemented as part of the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE).
Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud said the Barisan Nasional (BN) government had succeeded in transforming Sarawak from depending on subsistent farming to a modern progressive state, poised to become a major economic player in Southeast Asia.
The state was actively widening and diversifying its economy via increasing the share of the secondary sector such as valued-added activities of timber and agriculture products as well as that of the tertiary sector such as transport and communications, he said.
“The current emphasis is on the development of SCORE in five areas namely Tanjung Manis, Samalaju in Bintulu, Mukah, Ulu Baram and Tunoh in Kapit.
“The SCORE initiative covers a large area of 320 square kilometres with its development stretching to the year 2030,” he said in a Christmas and New Year message released to the media here.
Taib said that the government would ensure that the growth of SCORE “is sustainable and that the benefits of a stronger economy, more jobs, better education and health facilities will outweigh the environmental impact”.
Towards transforming the state’s economy, he said, the government had placed great emphasis on the development of quality human capital, which would be highly skilled and knowledgeable for industries.
Since Independence, he said, the state has been able to move forward in pursuit of progress, advancement and modernity.
“Our people are enjoying a better life, escaping from a life of poverty and deprivation, reaping the fruits of the politics of development.
“More importantly, the people have developed a ‘self-help’ mindset, working to improve themselves from the situation, instead of waiting for help from other people or the government,” he added.
He termed these as “important changes” that could enable Sarawakians to attain a higher standard of living that befitted people of an independent nation.
In 1963, he said, the state registered only 4,000 vehicles on the road. Today, it has almost half a million, excluding motorcycles.
Taib said such a dramatic change attracted the attention of the world, which no longer considered Malaysia a poor country.
The state’s poverty rate has been reduced from 80 per cent in the early 60s to 7 per cent now, he said, proving that Sarawak has been successful in eradicating poverty.
“For this reason, the people should consider themselves lucky as people of Sarawak and citizens of Malaysia. They are able to enjoy the progress and prosperity, which have been brought about by successful efforts of the dynamic BN government in building the country as a sovereign, independent, stable and peaceful nation.” He said all this gave the people the freedom and capability to determine their own future.
More importantly, they have been able to safeguard and strengthen their own unity and solidarity in the common struggle to build the nation according to their own moulds, he said.
Nevertheless, he cautioned that the new generation might not be content with good food, nice clothes and beautiful homes.
“Such things are being taken for granted.
“Hence, the younger generation must also do their part.
“They must work hard to upgrade their own professional skills and capabilities so as to be able to contribute positively towards the development of the state,” he said.
He was confident that if Sarawak’s vast energy resources were fully exploited, the state would be propelled to become more progressive and prosperous by 2030.
“It is anticipated that billions of ringgit worth of investments will come to the state. All of this will only be possible with the continued political stability and an efficient government coupled with the unity of the people.
“The people must ensure that nothing jeopardise the attractiveness of Sarawak’s investment climate,” he stressed.
“With that, I wish all Malaysians, especially those of Christian faith in Sarawak, Merry Christmas and a very happy and prosperous New Year,” concluded Taib.