He said the number of daily cases had dropped from three to two digits, with 91 reported on Dec 4 and 23 recorded yesterday.

“The decline to two digits occurred some weeks ago, thus countering claims by certain quarters that the number of Covid-19 (cases) would increase following the holding of the 12th Sarawak state elections.

“I am thankful to those who have got themselves vaccinated and received the booster dose as well, as these jabs can control the spread of Covid-19.

“When the number of cases has declined, hopefully we can enter Phase 4 of the pandemic, hence our economy can be fully reopened.

“Moving to Phase 4 will have a positive impact on business and other activities, thus bringing economic benefits to the people,” he said in his speech at the 65th anniversary celebration of the Bau district council here today.

Abang Johari said in an effort to ensure continuous economic development in Sarawak, the involvement of the private sector would be intensified, especially in projects which could not be fully funded by the state government.

“In the process of development, we need the private sector to come in as they can inject funds while the government will facilitate the private sector in developing certain areas, including in Bau,” he said.

Meanwhile, Abang Johari said basic infrastructure development, especially in Sarawak’s rural areas was expected to be completed within five years, which would enable focus to be given to boosting innovation and developing the peoples’ talents in new technology.

“That is why we encourage the private sector to pursue economic generation. If this happens, I see a bright future for Sarawak.

“We have our own way of developing the state,” he added.