Every newborn Sarawakian child will be given an incentive of RM1,000 irrespective of ethnicity, religious beliefs and social status from next year, Chief Minister Abang Johari Openg announced today.

Abang Johari, who is also state finance and economic planning minister, said the incentive could only be withdrawn upon the children attaining the age of 18.

"The state government has decided to introduce a new policy and it is meant for their further education or as capital to pursue their career," he said when tabling the Supply (2019) Bill at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly sitting in Kuching.

Commenting on the incentive, state welfare, community wellbeing, women, family and childhood development minister Fatimah Abdullah said it would definitely benefit the new generation in Sarawak.

Fatimah, who is also Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Wanita chief, said the movement would continue going to the ground and approach the people at the grassroots level to give information on matters that were touched by the chief minister during his budget speech.

She said the issues would be pertaining to the future and well-being of the people, especially on women, family and child development.

- Bernama