LINGGA: Sarawak will not be declaring a public holiday on polling eve on Nov 18 as giving workers an extra rest day could affect productivity, says Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg (pic).
He said the state government had to consider the economic impact of any such decision.
“I think it [declaring holiday] is not appropriate as it would affect the economy, with productivity dropping and employers having to pay workers more [if they are recalled to work].
“I have considered this matter rationally because I know about its impact. Of course, everyone will be happy to have a holiday,” Bernama quoted him as saying at a news conference after the launch of the Sarawakku Sayang programme here yesterday.
On Nov 7, the Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (Cuepacs) suggested that Nov 18 be made a public holiday to make it easier for people to travel outstation to vote, and on Tuesday Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the government was considering the matter.
Meanwhile, Abang Johari said the Sarawak government had long-term plans to develop rural areas like Lingga.
He said among the high-cost development projects planned are construction of the Batang Lupar bridge linking Sebuyau with Lingga and minor bridges and roads connecting Lingga town to strategic areas in the federal constituency of Sri Aman.
He said the agriculture sector in Lingga has huge potential and the state government, through the Sri Aman Development Agency (Sada), will continue to plan various development projects required by the people. Sada is chaired by former Batang Lupar Member of Parliament Datuk Seri Rohani Abdul Karim.
“In this comprehensive development, we see that Banting and its surrounding areas [near Lingga] also can become locations for food security. To drive this sector, we want to undertake comprehensive development of infrastructure, even if it involves high costs and is financed with our own funds,” he added.
