OVER the course of 2024, Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg accomplished numerous achievements, setting milestones with the purpose of advancing the state.

As he marks eight years in office, The Borneo Post takes a look at some of the Premier’s major achievements this past year.

Bintulu Port takeover

The Dewan Rakyat on July 17 approved the Bintulu Port Authority (Dissolution) Bill 2024 and the Declaration of an Area in the Bintulu District to be a Federal Port (Repeal) Bill 2024.

The Bintulu Port Authority (Dissolution) Bill sought to repeal the Bintulu Port Authority Act 1981, to dissolve the Bintulu Port Authority established under the act, meant to provide the vesting of its properties to the government or Sarawak government or any entity empowered or appointed by the state government under the relevant written laws, and to provide for related matters.

The Declaration of an Area in the Bintulu District to be a Federal Port (Repeal) Bill 2024 sought to repeal the Declaration of an Area in the Bintulu District to be a Federal Port Act 1979, following the change in the status of Bintulu Port from a federal port to a state port.

On Oct 13, the Premier said the takeover of Bintulu Port by the Sarawak government “serves as the lifeblood for the state’s economy, particularly its commodities of trade and export”.

He said the state’s ports will be placed under a single port authority, with the goal of integrating the management of existing ports and those in the pipeline.

Abang Johari also expects shipping activities and services in Bintulu Port to increase with the launch of the Borneo Supply Base, which will operate under the Bintulu Port Authority.

Sarawak Basic Needs Contribution (SKAS)

Abang Johari announced the SKAS welfare initiative for low-income groups when tabling the Supply (2025) Bill 2024 during the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting last November.

His administration will set aside RM450 million for SKAS, which is aimed at alleviating the financial burden of low-income earners who are most affected by the rising cost of living.

This initiative provides financial assistance ranging from RM250 to RM800 for eligible Sarawakian recipients residing in Sarawak, to be disbursed this year.

Household incomes of RM5,000 and below will receive RM800, while single individuals earning RM2,500 and below are to be given RM250, as senior citizens without partners and children with an income of RM5,000 and below will receive RM400.

This SKAS is set to benefit approximately 850,000 low-income individuals across the state.

RM1,200 for Sarawakian undergraduates

On Nov 20, Abang Johari said all Sarawakian students enrolled in higher learning institutions across the country will receive RM1,200 in pocket money from the state government starting this year, regardless of their family’s income level.

He said Sarawakian undergraduates represent the state’s future talent pool, and their focus should remain entirely on their studies without financial concerns hindering them.

The Premier announced this special assistance for Sarawakian tertiary students in the country during the Lan Berambeh 2024 held in Kuala Lumpur.

This pocket money of RM1,200 was initially provided to students from low-income groups with household per capita income of RM1,500 or below.

However, having listened to concerns from the ground, Abang Johari decided to give the pocket money to all Sarawakian students in higher learning institutions throughout Malaysia, irrespective of their family’s income.

Affin Bank takeover

On Sept 27, the Sarawak government became the largest strategic partner in Affin Bank Berhad with an acquisition of a 31.25 per cent stake.

This follows the signing of a Sale Purchase Agreement with Lembaga Tabung Angkatan Tentera (LTAT) and Boustead Holdings Berhad, which was witnessed by Abang Johari on the same day.

The Premier said this strategic move marks a significant step forward for Sarawak together with Affin Bank in becoming a notable player in Malaysia’s banking landscape.

The state government’s decision to invest in Affin Bank is driven by a strategic move to create a financial platform and synergy with a “sound and competent bank”, which according to Abang Johari is essential towards elevating Sarawak’s huge economic potentials.

It is also in line with the state’s Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030, which is aimed at driving sustainable economic growth and improving the quality of life for the state’s people.

Abang Johari said by leveraging Affin Bank’s extensive network and expertise, Sarawak will be able to unlock new opportunities, facilitate access to capital and foster entrepreneurship within the state.

It is worth noting that the bank’s total assets stood at RM108.2 billion as at the second quarter of last year, with a strategic goal to nearly double that figure to RM180 billion by 2028.

MASwings takeover

Sarawak is set to finalise the sale and purchase agreement for MASwings, a subsidiary regional airline of Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) to run a state-owned airline, in which the airline’s new name will also be introduced.

On Nov 1, Abang Johari said Frankfurt, Germany would be among the six international destinations for Sarawak’s own airline, after the finalisation of the sale and purchase agreement for MASwings.

He mentioned that the other destinations of choice were Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Thailand and Jakarta, Indonesia.

According to the Premier, these flights would, among other benefits, boost tourism access.

Abang Johari also said his administration will purchase several new aircrafts to fly to these destinations once the acquisition of MASwings is completed.

Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART)

On Sept 6, Abang Johari said Sarawak had ordered 38 units of ART vehicles to transform the state’s public transportation system.

According to him, these ART vehicles will arrive from China upon the successful completion of the Kuching Isthmus engineering run and Proof-of-Concept (POC) exercise.

It is understood that the 38 ART vehicles will provide efficient coverage of the three ART lines in Kuching, namely the Red Line, Green Line and Blue Line.

The Blue Line, covering a distance of 27.5km, is from Rembus in Kota Samarahan to Kuching city centre; the Red Line (12.3km) is from Kuching Sentral to Pending; and the Green Line (30km) from Pending to Damai Central.

The commercial run of the ART is scheduled to begin by the end of this year. A trial period will commence before the commercial run.

The fare for the ART, upon its commencement of service, will be decided later and promises not to be a burden to the public.

The fare is said to be consistent and payment can be made through S Pay Global.

The ART system represents the Sarawak government’s investment in transforming the public transportation, which will benefit the people in the long run.