Sarawak has no intention of introducing its own currency - Abang Johari
Abang Johari said that an in-depth study also needs to be carried out before making any decisions, including the proposal to introduce the state's currency. - Image file
September 2, 2023 15:30 MYT
Sarawak has no intention of introducing its own currency - Abang Johari
Abang Johari said that an in-depth study also needs to be carried out before making any decisions, including the proposal to introduce the state's currency. - Image file
SHAH ALAM: The Sarawak government currently does not intend to introduce its own currency, instead it will continue to use the ringgit.
The Premier of Sarawak, Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, said that an in-depth study should also be carried out before making any decisions, including the proposal to introduce the state's currency.
"This issue is quite difficult to explain, I don't know about the views of Nanta Linggi (Datuk Seri Nanta Linggi).
"We have to have a more in-depth study first, but we already have the Malaysian currency. We follow the Malaysian ringgit," he said briefly as reported by a local news portal after attending the inauguration of the 2023 National Anti-Scam Tour Program at the Sarawak level at the Borneo Cultural Museum (BCM), in Sarawak on Saturday.
He said this commenting on the statement of the Minister of Public Works, Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, who hinted at the possibility that Sarawak would introduce its own currency following the uncertain economy in Malaysia.
Nanta who is also the Secretary General of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) said this during a special podcast with Bual Studio and Reka Sound for Merdeka and Malaysia Day entitled 'From Malaya to Malaysia: 60 Years' which was broadcast by Sinar Daily on Friday.
He said, it is one of the measures that can be considered if the economy continues to be less encouraging.
Meanwhile, in 2010, Kelantan launched the use of gold and silver, known as sharia currency, gold dinar and silver dirham.
The launch was made by the Menteri Besar of Kelantan at the time, the late Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat.
The move was made to see Kelantan pioneer the use of sharia currency in all transactions, including paying the salaries of state government employees.
However, he said, there are still many technical issues that need to be overcome by the state government before being able to implement it
