(Kuching, 13th) Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari stated that the political stability in Sarawak enables the government to focus on serving the people and use this as a foundation for driving economic development, which successfully brought in higher revenues for Sarawak.
He said that last year (2024), Sarawak's revenue reached RM14.2 billion, almost double that of about seven years ago when he took office.
“Sarawak acquired several important assets in 2024, including the acquisition of one of Malaysia's wealthiest ports—Bintulu Port—and becoming the first state to hold a majority stake in a commercial bank, holding 31.25% of Affin Bank's shares. Additionally, Sarawak officially took over MASwings and established a new Sarawak airline, named Borneo Airways (AirBorneo).”
At the same time, he also announced that Affin Bank is now authorized to approve loans directly in Kuching within a certain amount, accelerating the loan approval process for local businesses.
“With this initiative, Affin Bank will set up a regional headquarters in Kuching and is allowed to approve loans within a certain amount locally, without needing to wait for approval from Kuala Lumpur.”
He said this move is seen as helpful in promoting Sarawak's economic development and accelerating the capital flow in local business activities, advancing renewable energy policies to maintain unity and promote economic prosperity.
Abang Johari shared that Sarawak has shown courage and foresight in promoting renewable energy and climate change response policies, even receiving praise from young leaders in the United States for Sarawak's bold initiatives in the renewable energy sector.
He stated that Sarawak will continue to implement inclusive policies to achieve three main goals: economic prosperity, environmental balance, and social unity.
He emphasized that the unity and harmony among Sarawak's various ethnic groups is Sarawak's unique advantage and serves as the foundation for the state's sustained economic development. He called on all ethnic groups to continue maintaining unity and mutual respect, working together to promote Sarawak's prosperous development.
At the Sarawak Chinese Association Federation and Kuching-Samarahan Division Chinese Association Federation's Chinese New Year banquet last night, Abang Johari also announced a grant of RM200,000 to the Kuching-Samarahan Division Chinese Association Federation to support its operations and activities.