Sarawak Paddy |
Sarawak, which has been enjoying 48 years of development and progress in our beloved nation, Malaysia, enters a new era of development, a transformation of the economy from the present structure of medium income to high income economy towards the year 2020 and beyond.
For this reason, the State needs to widen economic perspective and diversify the activities. More importantly, the Sarawak needs to focus on creating its niche and building the strength. Basically, the transformation is no longer an exercise to restructure the traditional economic sectors such as timber and agro-based industries but to increase the share of the secondary sector, such as value-added activities of timber and agriculture products and tertiary sector, such as transport and communication.
Hence, the state’s strategy for development must necessarily engage the private sector to involve in wider fields of economic activities. It is a matter of logical progression that the private sector should be involved more and more in the development of the state economy. There is a limit that the public sector, by its very nature, can do to boost the economy. The private sector, when it lives up to the reputation of being mobile and creative, can become efficient agents of growth in the economy.
Paddy field in Sri Aman |
Understandably, the transformation necessitates the people to acquire new knowledge and be more diligent and ready to work hard in order to become more productive and efficient in their endeavors. More importantly, it requires them to become more proactive and innovative in carrying out tasks that have been entrusted upon them.
Essentially, in the next nine years, from now to the year 2020, the state must be involved in a transformation from infrastructure-oriented to human resources approach, primarily to accelerate economic growth, which relies heavily on efforts of the quality of service and productivity of skilled workers.
One of the key focus areas under the Tenth Malaysia Plan, beginning from this year is to increase private investments to spur domestic economic activities. The private sector will be the catalyst to move the State economy up the value chain, which is a prerequisite for us to compete in the global market.
Another focus area will be the participation of the low-income group into the mainstream of development. This will be carried out through the various poverty eradication programmes and projects. Socio-economic development will continue to be given importance to further strengthen the unity of the people.
Construction of roads/bridges to link more isolated long houses and villages |
For example, the 2011 budget aims to ensure balanced development throughout the State. In this connection, the State Government will undertake proactive measures in the development of physical infrastructures especially in less developed areas. The budget takes into consideration that there is still a need for rural areas to catch up with development in urban areas. Hence, greater emphasis must be given to the development of infrastructure and amenities such as roads, drainage, telecommunication, electricity and water supplies in these areas.
Rightly, the State government will be emphasizing on the following as the main thrusts of development:
* To raise the capacity for knowledge and innovation and nurture
first class mentality;
* To address persistent socio-economic inequalities constructively
and productively; and
* To improve the standard and sustainability of Quality of Life.
Obviously, the development programmes and projects cover both the urban and rural areas to ensure balanced regional development across the State. This will not only intensify and accelerate the development for SCORE but those areas outside the corridor.
Modern long house in Sarawak |
Hence, continuous efforts are being made to develop Rural Growth Centres (RGCs) primarily to provide basic amenities to the people and upgrade their quality of life that is being measured by the quality of public housing, transportation, public sanitation, the environment, safety and security.
Many residents of long houses own cars nowadays |
The Government has provided RM5.68 billion (US$1.9 billion) in funding for the improvement of basic infrastructure in remote regions of Sarawak. Most of this money has been allocated for the construction and tarring of roads to link more isolated long houses and villages, as well as utilities provision such as piped water and electrical lighting for such communities.
Rh Ribut Long house, Song equiped with electricity |
The government takes cognizance of the fact that the rural community cannot be cut off from the mainstream development or be marginalized in any way. Hence necessary efforts are being made to provide roads, communications, transportation, electricity, clean water and health clinics in rural areas.
Besides, necessary steps are also being undertaken to ensure that people in remote communities are equipped with the skills and knowledge to get better jobs; and to train farmers in more effective agricultural techniques to enable them to improve their standard of living.
Indisputably, Sarawak has achieved tremendous progress. It has been transformed from a backward to progressive State during the last 48 years, during the last 3o in particular. . Any well-informed people, will not dispute this fact. The people must surely be able to see the tremendous stride that has been made, which among other things, help to reduce unemployment among the people and more importantly, take the state into a level of prosperity never seen in the history of the state.
Obviously, Sarawak has been pursuing a well thought of approach that takes into consideration the local conditions and environment. It has been able to increase the size of the development cake by ensuring a sufficient and sustainable speed of development.
The State must endeavor to keep up with the momentum of growth and ensure that the distribution of benefits remain balanced. In other words, no segment of the society will have the feelings of extreme neglect and frustration in the common pursuit for progress and advancement.
A modern long house in Sibu |
The progress has been further enhanced by the successful implementation of the Ninth Malaysia Plan (2006-2010) that has been focusing on the development of human capital and R&D capability; speeding up growth in rural areas; engaging the private sector more intensively and enhancing the quality of life of the people.
Looking back when Sarawak joined the Federation of Malaysia on September 16, 1963, the constitution included special protections allowing Sarawak to enter into the union as a semi autonomous state. The constitution included special protection allowing Sarawak to enter the union as an autonomous state. The provisions, among other things, allow Sarawak to exercise powers over immigration and imposition of sales taxes.
Other protections relate specifically to Sarawak unique demographic make up and the rights of indigenous communities, who must enjoy the same special rights given to the Malay community in Peninsular Malaysia.
benuasains
*Photos Source:
http://agc-blog.agc.gov.my/?p=236
http://zulkhalid.blogspot.com/2009/05/micro-hydro-project-rumah-panjang-ribut.html
http://mawar2berduri.blogspot.com/2010/05/mewahnya-rumah-panjang-di-sibu.html
google.com images
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