Sarawak to implement two new initiatives next year

BINTULU: A string of new initiatives to enhance Sarawak's economic development would be implemented in January next year, said Sarawak Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg today.
He said one of the first initiatives would be the formation of the Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA) in January 2018 to regulate the business of data sharing and digitisation.
"I shall be tabling the Sarawak Multimedia Ordinance in the November sitting of the State Legislative Assembly," he said in his speech at the state level national celebration at Bintulu Civic Centre here.
Abang Johari who is state Finance and Economic Planning Minister said the Sarawak Development Bank Berhad (DBOS) was also expected to be operational by January 2018, aimed at financing strategic projects in the state.
In addition to project financing, he said the bank would also finance repairing more than 1,000 dilapidated schools in Sarawak.
For the record, 62-year old Sim Kheng Boon has been appointed as first chief executive officer of DBOS while state secretary Tan Sri Mohamad Morshidi Abdul Ghani is the board of directors chairman of the bank.
Abang Johari also has expressed his appreciation to SEA Games athletes, particularly Sarawak-born athletes who had won medals for the country.
He also thanked Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak for approving the Pan Borneo Highway project as well as discussions on the devolution of powers.
A total of 80 contingent involving more than 3,000 participants comprising representatives from non governmental organisations, political parties, students, community chiefs, federal and state government departments and agencies took part in the parade this morning.
Sarawak Yang d-Pertua Negeri Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud, state cabinet ministers and local community leaders are among the dignitaries present at the parade. — Bernama