KUCHING, Sept 23 — Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof today revealed that Sarawak’s reserve has almost reached RM40 billion, up from RM31 billion.

Fadillah, who is also Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) senior vice-president, made the announcement at the party’s southern zone special convention held in conjunction with Sarawak’s 60 years of independence this year.

"Apart from other sources, our leaders also dared to impose the Sarawak Sales Tax for petroleum products in 2019,” he said.

"That is not only our source, there are many more sources and every effort has been made to upgrade the state’s income.”

He said the state leaders dared to take Petronas to court and finally, the state managed to impose the Sarawak Sales Tax.

Fadillah said Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg has introduced a digital economy towards making Sarawak a developed state by the year 2030 after taking over the leadership in 2017.

"We also have e-wallet Sarawak Pay, not only used in Sarawak, but also outside the country.

"We also have the Development Bank of Sarawak and Petroleum Sarawak Berhad, all of which were implemented by the state leadership,” he said.

"Apart from these, we have witnessed rapid development throughout Sarawak, such as roads, bridges and basic facilities including the telecommunication network that have been implemented by the state government,” he said.

He said the state government has also undertaken socio-economic development and the well-being of the people, such as funds for mothers after giving birth, funds for newly born children and Kenyalang Gold Card for senior citizens aged 60 years and above.