(Miri, 27th) Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, Deputy Minister of Tourism Sarawak, Secretary-General of the Sarawak United People's Party, and Assemblyman for Piasau, in his 2025 New Year message, reviewed Sarawak's past achievements and looked forward to future development directions.
Ting first extended New Year greetings to all the people of Sarawak, wishing everyone a happy new year and all the best. He pointed out that in 2025, Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari will present a historic RM15.8 billion budget in the Sarawak Parliament. This budget is RM2.2 billion more than in 2024, showing the Sarawak government's high level of commitment and focus on the welfare and development of its people.
According to this record-breaking budget, RM10.9 billion will be allocated for development expenditure, highlighting the Sarawak government's emphasis on infrastructure development. This will not only promote economic growth but also enhance public service levels, reflecting the Sarawak government's governance philosophy of being 'people-centered'.
Chen emphasized that under the leadership of Abang Johari, the Sarawak government is continuously benefiting all people through wise fiscal management and people-centered policies. Under the policy of 'no one will be marginalized', 2025 will see the launch of a series of welfare policies, including the Sarawak Basic Needs Assistance (SKAS) plan costing RM450 million, expected to benefit over 850,000 people. Additionally, the Sarawak government is providing an annual RM1,200 allowance for students pursuing higher education domestically, further supporting educational development.
Apart from the newly-introduced welfare policies, existing welfare measures in Sarawak, such as newborn bonuses, post-natal assistance, Kenyalang Gold Card benefits, and Sarawakian Senior Citizens Health Benefits (SCHB), will continue to be implemented in the new year. These policies not only demonstrate the 'Sarawak First' spirit but also lay the foundation for Sarawak's development in green energy, particularly in leading the region in hydrogen energy and carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies.
Ting highlighted Miri as an important city for Sarawak's development, which has continued to thrive in recent years. Through the concerted efforts of all its people, several major projects in Miri City have been realized, including the RM2 billion 400-megawatt gas turbine combined cycle power plant by PETROS, a RM300 million new deep-water terminal funded by the state government, a RM150 million airport expansion project, the Miri Hospital expansion project, and new road construction connecting Miri and Marudi. These projects bring promising prospects for Miri's future development.
Looking ahead to 2025, tourism remains a vital pillar of Sarawak's economy. In 2024, Sarawak successfully attracted 4 million tourists, bringing in over RM10.19 billion in revenue, accounting for 7.25% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Ting stated that the Sarawak government aims to attract 5 million tourists in the new year. To achieve this, the government will allocate RM174 million for tourism promotion and marketing plans, further propelling Sarawak as a preferred international tourism destination.
In terms of culture and religion, Ting noted that Sarawak is a model of ethnic integration in Malaysia, with rich ethnic cultural arts showcasing the wisdom and inclusivity of the Sarawakian people. This cultural diversity not only sets an example of unity and harmony for the nation but also continues to drive the development of Sarawak's cultural arts, promoting the spirit of 'unity in diversity.' Meanwhile, the Sarawak government respects religious freedom, continues to allocate funds to support the development of churches and temples, and provides annual funding to independent Chinese secondary schools and primary schools in Sarawak, fostering continuous improvements in the state's economy, education, and healthcare.
Despite the challenges Sarawak still faces in striving for its rights, Ting stated that Sarawak must continue to fight for autonomy in health and education, special grants under Article 112D of the Federal Constitution, and the restoration of Sarawak and Sabah's one-third parliamentary seat ratio. He called on all people to unite and support the Sarawak Parties Alliance in fighting for Sarawak's rights.
Finally, Ting expressed gratitude for the support from his team and the people over the past year. He promised to continue upholding the mission of 'serving the people' and work hand in hand to promote the development of Piasau and Sarawak. At the dawn of the new year, he extended sincere wishes to all the people of Sarawak, hoping for more happiness and peace in 2025 and for a brighter future for Sarawak.