MUKAH: Sarawak's revenue collection amounted to RM7.68 billion as of June this year, said Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg.

He made the announcement after chairing the Sarawak Development Coordination Committee (SDCC) meeting here today.

Sarawak's revenue collection stood at RM13.3 billion last year and RM11 billion in 2022.

Abang Johari, who is also state minister for finance and new economy, said a total of 292 projects, valued at about RM4.27 billion had been completed or were being implemented in Mukah division under the 12th Malaysia Plan as of July 31.

He said the 292 projects were implemented by various state ministries, including the Infrastructure and Port Development Ministry, Utilities and Telecommunications Ministry, Public Health, Housing and Local Government Ministry, Natural Resources and Urban Development Ministry and Food Industries, Commodities and Urban Development Ministry.

Abang Johari also reminded the contractors undertaking government projects to commence work within a month after receiving the letter of acceptance.

He said action would be taken against those who failed to do so within the stipulated period.

He said the state Public Works Department and the Land and Survey Department had been directed to form a joint committee with the landowners to resolve any crop compensation issues.

The premier also said the SDCC meeting discussed the redevelopment of dilapidated schools and clinics in Mukah and other parts of Sarawak through a RM200 million allocation.

Abang Johari said Sarawak would improve household incomes in rural areas to reflect the World Bank's recognition of Sarawak as a high-income region.

He said the focus was on private sector investment in the agriculture sector, particularly in padi production, to achieve self sufficiency.

Abang Johari also emphasised on maintaining good relations with the federal government and upholding Sarawak's rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963.

The SDCC meeting was also attended by Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, among others.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/08/1091601/sarawak-collected-rm768-billion-revenue-first-half-2024