KUALA LUMPUR: Sarawak, along with five other states, will be given special focus in the government's efforts to boost socio-economic development.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said other states are Sabah, Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah and Perlis.
"The attention will be on bridging the economic development gap between states, territories, cities and the rural areas so that economic prosperity can be enjoyed fairly and equitably.
"For this, at least 50 per cent of the overall federal basic development allocated in the 12th Malaysia Plan will be distributed to these six states.
"It covers the provision of basic infrastructure, digitalisation, education, healthcare services and economic development.
He said the same approaches would also be the essence of the 2022 Budget that will be presented next week.
Ismail Sabri said this in his speech tonight to mark the launch of 'Keluarga Malaysia' at the Borneo Convention Centre in Kuching, Sarawak.
Also present were Sarawak chief minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg, Communications and Multimedia Minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa, federal ministers, state deputy chief ministers, state members of parliament and assemblymen.
Ismail Sabri said the idea of Keluarga Malaysia, a brainchild of the current government, was not a rhetoric or a mere slogan but a rousing call by the government to uphold the interest and well-being of the people, similar to the values of a caring for a family.
He gave an example of a family with a child who is lagging in the education and deserve extra attention, a situation similar to his administration efforts to assist certain states that are falling behind in development.
"The same goes with the government's administration today. Members of Keluarga Malaysia, like those in the Bottom 40 and Middle 40 who are affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, will consistently be the focus for the government assistance."
He said as Keluarga Malaysia emphasised on the values of Inclusiveness, Togetherness and Gratitude, the government would closely monitor the implementation and initiatives planned especially in Sabah and Sarawak in order to progress together as one fammily.
Ismail Sabri also hopes state governments would support the various Keluarga Malaysia programmes and initiatives, such as Rumah Ikram Keluarga Malaysia and Pakej Peranti Keluarga Malaysia, aimed at lifting the people's economic burden.
He also reminded his cabinet ministers and ministries to be consistent in implementing programmes that would benefit the people.
Ismail Sabri also launched the Keluarga Malaysia Foundation to assist 5,173 children who have lost one or both parents due to Covid-19.
He shared the experience of 19-year-old orphans Nazurah Nabilah Benyajeed who is left to care for her seven siblings, as well as Hadrami Hasil, 11, who was forced to become the family's sole breadwinner to look after four siblings.
"Imagine the huge responsibility they have to shoulder. They not only lost their parents but the happy experience of growing up as children. I humbly ask Keluarga Malaysia to share their love with these children so that they can enjoy life other children their age.
"The foundation will assist the children of Keluarga Malaysia to get support, especially in their education, until they reach the age of 18. This is the foundation's manifestation of love for Keluarga Malaysia.
"The foundation will also expand its wings to other children in Keluarga Malaysia who are in need of similar support. This is what I meant by the values of Inclusiveness, Togetherness and Gratitude."
Ismail Sabri said he hopes that with the foundation, no Keluarga Malaysia children will have to go through sufferings alone.
He also applauded the spirit of unity shown by Keluarga Malaysia regardless of their backgrounds in their fight against Covid-19 in the last two years.