Sarawak has no intention to introduce own currency - Abang Jo

SHAH ALAM - The Sarawak government intends to refrain from introducing its own currency.

Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said they need to do a thorough study before deciding on introducing a new currency for the state.

"This issue is quite difficult to explain, I don't know about Nanta's (Datuk Seri Nanta Linggi) view.

"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 at the Sarawak level at the Borneo Cultural Museum (BCM) in Sarawak today.

He was commenting on the statement of Public Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi who hinted at the possibility that Sarawak would introduce its own currency following the uncertain economy in in the country.

Nanta who is also Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) secretary-general mentioned it on 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 yesterday.

He said that it is one of the measures that can be considered if the economy continues to be less encouraging.

Meanwhile, in 2010, Kelantan had launched the use of gold and silver known as gold dinar and silver dirham Syariah currency.

It was launched by the late Kelantan Menteri Besar Tan Sri Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat.

The goal was to use Syariah currency for all transactions, even paying government employees.

However, there are still many technical problems that need to be solved before Sarawak can do the same.