Sarawak DAP Chairman Chong Chieng Jen has called on the state government to introduce a more comprehensive financial assistance package that covers all segments of society, citing the growing economic uncertainty caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. While welcoming the special aid recently announced by the Sarawak Premier, Chong emphasized that the implementation must be expedited to mitigate the ripple effects of global instability. He argued that the current scope of aid is too narrow and requires a mechanical necessity for expansion to prevent a local economic slump.
During a press conference held at the DAP Headquarters in Kuching on Monday, the Padungan assemblyman stated that relief measures should not be restricted solely to the B40 low-income group. Instead, he proposed that the M40 middle-income bracket and the local business community should also be included in the state’s financial planning. Chong pointed out that because the Sarawak government possesses substantial financial reserves, it has the capacity to draft an inclusive master plan that safeguards multiple sectors from the looming crisis.
According to Chong, the transport and logistics industries are expected to be the most severely impacted if the geopolitical tensions in the Middle East persist over the long term. He warned that while the full brunt of the economic fallout has not yet reached Sarawakian shores, the consequences are likely to become increasingly evident within the next one to two months. Consequently, he advised that any government intervention must remain flexible and be subject to regular reviews rather than being a static, one-time payment.
The DAP leader further noted that a “one-size-fits-all” approach would be ineffective in the current climate, suggesting that assistance should be tailored to the specific needs of different industries and evolving market conditions. By diversifying the aid structure, the state can better protect small and medium-sized enterprises that may struggle with rising operational costs. Chong’s remarks highlight the urgent need for a proactive fiscal strategy to insulate the state’s economy from external shocks that are beyond local control.
Addressing the federal government’s recent decision to reduce subsidised petrol quotas, Chong clarified that the move was a strategic measure intended to curb cross-border smuggling and ensure national fuel security. He echoed the Prime Minister’s sentiment that approximately 90 per cent of the population would remain unaffected by the quota adjustment. Despite these federal safeguards, Chong remains adamant that the Sarawak state government must utilize its unique autonomy and wealth to provide an additional safety net for its residents until the international crisis subsides.
