By Afix Redzuan
SHAH ALAM, Sept 8 — The Selangor’s vision to become a smart state in the Asean region by 2025 is not an aspiration that is merely on paper or to only churn out big numbers.
Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari said the goal has to be achieved in order for the state to become a livable city that remains competitive and sustainable for the wellbeing of the people.
“The upcoming state budget will address various matters including the creative industry, health, security as well as agriculture, and we will set the direction,” said Amirudin during the wrap up of the 2021 Selangor Budget Dialogue at the Setia City Convention Centre, here yesterday.
He said Selangor is known for its rapid economic development since the 1980s through the expansion of various industries as well as the main contributor to the national gross domestic income (GDP).
However, he said the framework of the state’s development has to ensure that the livelihood of the people runs simultaneously with the progress achieved, including in dealing with health issues such as the Covid-19 outbreak.
“Other findings from the budget dialogue sessions, such as agriculture, tourism, entrepreneurship and welfare, should also be given attention in order to plan out development that would benefit all,” he said.
The one-day Selangor State 2021 Budget Dialogue, which was organised to gather input from the grassroots and industry players of the state ahead of the state’s budget announcement, had covered five syndicates — agricultural, tourism and agro-tourism, public health and livable city, microentrepreneurs, digitalisation and urban poverty, wealth creation, and creative industry.
