KOTA SAMARAHAN: The high commitment to the state's infrastructure development continues to be strengthened when the Development Bank of Sarawak (DBOS) is expected to receive more incentives to finance strategic mega projects.

Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr. Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg said that DBOS now functions as the main catalyst in achieving the physical development agenda in the state, especially through the use of its own funds without being overly dependent on Federal resources.

According to him, Sarawak's bold and independent approach has also received recognition from Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

"The Prime Minister himself praised our approach of using our own funds to develop the state, and stated that Sarawak is now on the right track in prioritizing the well-being of the people," he said.

He said this when met by the media after attending the Hari Raya Aidilfitri Open House of Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development Datuk Rubiah Wang at the Kota Samarahan Civic Centre, on Sunday.

In a related development, the Premier of Sarawak also announced that the proposed Sarawak Guest Route Map had received approval from the Prime Minister.

This project is expected to be a catalyst for the state's economic boom in the next five years, he said.

"This initiative will have a major impact on the tourism, logistics and local economy sectors as a whole. Most importantly, all development results will continue to be enjoyed by the people," he explained.

In this regard, he announced the planning of two more mega infrastructure projects, namely the construction of the Tanjung Embang Airport and the Kuching Inland Port which will be developed about 8 kilometres from the coast.

He explained that both projects are seen to have a significant impact on the development of the Kota Samarahan, Asajaya and the entire coastal area.

He stressed that the state has its own development plan and financial model to continue major projects without being too dependent on the Federal Government.

"Although it has not been discussed in detail with the Prime Minister, I have briefly informed the proposal to develop an inland port as well as an offshore gas terminal and a new airport in Tanjung Embang.

"If the Federal Government wants to help, we accept it with an open heart. However, our plans will still be implemented based on the resources and strategies we have planned ourselves,” he added.

Also present at the ceremony were Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Prof. Dr. Sim Kui Hian, Sarawak Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department (Law, MA63 and State-Federal Relations), Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali, Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development Datuk Rubiah Wang, Samarahan Division Resident, Mohamad Irwan Bahari Bujang and other distinguished guests.-UKASnews