Sarawak mulls own currency amid economic concerns

Addressing possibility, Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi says if state's economy is better than others, why not?

9:59 AM MYT

 

KUCHING – Sarawak may introduce its own currency if the less favourable economy in Malaysia persists, said Federal Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi.

“If Sarawak’s economy is good, while the national economy is not doing so well, perhaps Sarawak will have our own currency.

“If Sarawak is better than others, why not? This is what I’m trying to emphasise,” he was quoted as saying during a podcast to mark National Day and Malaysia Day.

“I hope people are not calling me a traitor, but I’m talking seriously. If we are so good at developing our economy, (then) by calculation, our economy should be strong.”

Nanta did not specify from which law Sarawak would derive power over currency, as only the federal government has such authority under the federal constitution.

The Central Bank of Malaysia Act grants Bank Negara Malaysia the sole authority to issue currency in Malaysia.

The law defines Malaysia’s unit of currency as the ringgit, divided into 100 sen.

In July, it was reported that Sarawak has been categorised as a high-income state, according to World Bank economist Apurva Sanghi.

Apurva said the gross national income of Sarawak has exceeded the high-income threshold of US$13,205 (RM61,500), based on the World Bank’s conversion of the data obtained from the National Statistics Department. – September 2, 2023

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