SIBU: The increase in mean household income in both rural and urban areas in Sarawak shows there is balanced development and inclusive growth throughout the state, says Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
The Sarawak Premier also said this was an indication that the state is on the right track to become a high-income state by 2030.
"We aim to achieve an average household income of RM15,000 by 2030, from RM4,544 in 2019. I believe we are on the right track as the World Bank recently acknowledged that Sarawak is now a high-income state with a revenue of RM11.9bil in 2022," he said after visiting the Kampong Datu Baru housing scheme on Monday (Aug 7).
Abang Johari said according to a survey by the Statistics Department, the total monthly household income in Sarawak saw an upward trend, with RM3.7bil in 2019 to RM3.9bil in 2022.
"Over a three-year period, the mean monthly household income increased from RM5,959 in 2019 to RM6,457 in 2022, an 8.4% increase.
Of this figure, the mean monthly household income in urban areas increased from RM7,243 in 2019 to RM7,744 in 2022; while for rural areas it increased from RM4,218 in 2019 to RM4,579 in 2022.
He said with higher revenue, the Sarawak government raised its ceiling of the 12th Malaysia Plan mid-term review from RM30bil to RM38bil.
"This is to accelerate infrastructure development in the state to facilitate inclusive social development.
"We aim to foster a society where no one will be left behind in opportunities accessibility," he added.
