S’wak could do with more Budget 2023 funds: state politicians

MIRI – Budget 2023’s allocation of RM5.6 billion for development expenditure in Sarawak has received a less-than-enthusiastic response from politicians here.

State Deputy Premier Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian said while it was a RM1 billion increase from the amount in the budget by the previous government, the impact of Budget 2023 on Sarawak is still unclear.

State Utility and Communications Minister Datuk Julaihi Narawi, meanwhile, said a lot more is needed due to the logistics of implementing projects across Sarawak’s vast land area.

“We need a lot more, such as for extending treated water supply to all settlements in Sarawak, which needs at least RM19 billion.”

Julaihi said that at present, only about 67% of the state’s population have treated water facilities.

Opposition outfit Parti Bumi Kenyalang’s president, Voon Lee Shan, called the RM5.6 billion “disappointing” and pointed out that Sabah got more – at RM6.5 billion.

“Sabah always gets more than Sarawak in every national budget, (yet) Sarawak gives more oil revenue every year to the national income compared to Sabah.” – The Vibes, February 25, 2023