Digital adoption among calls for priority in national budget

SIBU (Oct 9): The government should set aside allocations under Budget 2025 for enhancing infrastructure development as well as advancing digital adoption in Sibu.

In making this call, Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) deputy chairman Mohammed Abdullah Izkandar Roseley also hopes that more funding will be channelled towards expanding the road network across town, and also across the division.

“This will help ease traffic congestion and support the economic growth of Sibu,” he told The Borneo Post recently for his comments on the upcoming tabling of the national budget.

He added that the city’s riverfront must also be developed to further drive tourism, recreational and economic activities.

On Smart City initiatives, Izkandar said more technology-driven solutions must be implemented, such as smart traffic systems and 5G telecommunication towers, as well as better presence of closed-circuit television camera (CCTV) surveillance.

Moreover, the councillor hoped for the adoption of more digital technologies and the digitisation of government services, towards facilitating the provision of convenient options for citizens and also for businesses to interact with the local authorities.

On economic growth and job opportunity, he said the establishment of more industrial parks could provide incentives for manufacturers to invest in Sibu, and consequently, this would increase employment rates and stimulate the local economy.

Similarly, he hoped for a specific fund or tax incentive for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), particularly in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and digital economy and services.

“Perhaps for the manufacturers, an introduction of a carbon tax or carbon trading system aimed at promoting sustainable practices and reducing the environmental footprint, could better position Malaysia as a regional leader in green technology,” he said.

Furthermore, Izkandar would want to see an increased support towards green infrastructure projects such as solar power initiatives, eco-friendly public spaces, and sustainable waste management system, as well as efficient flood mitigation infrastructure meant to address the frequent flooding issues in the distict’s low-lying areas.

On addressing the issue of employment among youths, Izkandar called for a dedicated focus on vocational training and entrepreneurial support programmes, meant to empower the younger generation in contributing to the local economic activities.

“In this regard, the combination of local and national priorities would not only enhance the development of Sibu, but also ensure that Malaysia’s overall economy would continue to grow in a sustainable and inclusive manner.”

Meanwhile, Sibu Division Esport Association president Abdul Taib Rosli believes that there are still many wishes that Malaysians desire to achieve, such as improvements in financial assistance, education, healthcare services, and employment opportunities.

“I personally hope that the government would focus more on city infrastructure development and digital implementation. Moreover, investment in high-speed Internet being expanded into our surrounding rural areas is additionally important,” he said.

Further, Abdul Taib added that Sibu’s drainage and water management system should also be prioritised, so as to reduce the occurrence of flash floods and also to ensure a reliable water supply to residents and businesses.

“I wish for other initiatives, such as financial assistance programmes like cash aid for B40 (low-income) and M40 (middle-income) groups, meant to help alleviate the burden of higher living costs.

“Similarly, I seek housing provisions such as schemes for these groups, such as affordable housing and rental assistance,” he said.

Recently, Bernama had cited Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as stating that Budget 2025 would be aimed at raising the people’s living standards and advancing the country’s development.

In a recent social media post, Anwar said he had visited the Ministry of Finance team, who were busy preparing for the third Madani budget.

“God-willing, with the presentation of Budget 2025 this Oct 18, Malaysia will advance a step forward with the vision of a bold and fair ‘Madani Economy’ framework,” said the Prime Minister in the post.