Kuching – The state government is confident that the 2017 budget for Sarawak would follow the same trend as previous years as there are many big development projects to be carried out in the state.

Such is reflected in the 2016 Budget where a total of RM5.97 billion was allocated to Sarawak.

Seventy-four per cent of the allocation is used to implement development projects. This 70:30 expenditure ratio is not found in other states, and even the national budget is quite the opposite.

The allocation of RM2.6 billion for rural development reflects the state government’s commitment to give greater focus on programmes and projects to further accelerate rural transformation for the benefit of rural communities, said Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Haji Adenan Satem, whose text of speech was read by Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing at the opening ceremony of Bank Pembangunan Malaysia Berhad (BPMB) Infrastructure Forum 2016 at Pullman Kuching, yesterday.

The Chief Minister said it was important that the infrastructure-focus policies be continued until 2020 and even beyond, and that the 2017 State Budget should not lose track of this.

In 2015, Sarawak became one of the top investment destinations in Malaysia, attracting a total investment of RM11.9 billion, and was second after Johor in terms of value of projects approved, he said.

He pointed out that Sarawak had plenty of room to grow in terms of infrastructure development compared to other states due to its massive land size, scattered population and low population density.

Due to these facts, many rural areas were still largely deprived of basic needs such as roads, water and electricity supply as well as accessibility to healthcare and education, he said.

To accelerate development and industrialization process of Sarawak, it must first provide the right ecosystem to attract investments and be equipped with growth enablers such as basic utilities, telecommunications, roads, airports, etc.

These are critical ingredients to facilities business and investment activities in the state, said Adenan.

Meanwhile, BPMB Chairman Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Wan Abdul Azizi Wan Abdullah said the bank was committed to work together with the state government and industry players in developing the state’s economy.

We realise our role as development agent and are ready to invest in Sarawak’s infrastructural development to escalate economic growth in the state.

We will also help to fund mega projects which could not be funded by any other trading bank, said Aziz whose tech of speech was read by BPMB Board Director Datuk Wan Azhar Wan Ahmad.

To date, BPMB has contributed RM2 billion for Sarawak’s development in the last five years.

Also present were BPMB President/Group Managing Director Mohammed Rafidz Ahmed Rasiddi and members of the management team.

The forum was attended by 100 participants from both the public