KUCHING: The Sarawak Budget 2026 reflects strong fiscal capacity, driven by a significant increase in state revenue since 2017, creating wider opportunities to channel allocations that support the wellbeing and welfare of the people.

Tanjung Datu Assemblyman, Azizul Annuar Adenan, said the state government is now focused on driving a new economic shift by reducing reliance on natural resources.

“We are looking at new economic sectors such as hydrogen, downstream gas activities and others to increase Sarawak’s revenue so that we no longer depend on traditional sources like logging,” he told reporters from the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (UKAS) on Wednesday.

He added that development in the Lundu and Sematan areas has now reached around 80 per cent, covering essential infrastructure such as water supply, electricity and roads, following the approval of nearly all development proposals under RMK-12 and RMK-13.

“This infrastructure progress is drawing more private investments into Lundu, Sematan and Sampadi, especially in the tourism sector with the development of new resorts, hotels and facilities,” he said.

At the same time, Azizul urged youths to take advantage of the state government’s emphasis on human capital development, including the rollout of free education beginning next year.

“My advice, especially to the youth, is that if we look at the budget tabled by the Premier of Sarawak this week, there is a strong focus on developing human capital and talent, including the introduction of free education starting in 2026,” he said.

Under the free education initiative, he noted, Sarawakian students will receive full funding in fields related to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), as well as Law, Medicine, Accounting, Finance and Psychology at Sarawak-owned higher learning institutions.

He emphasised that Sarawak’s young generation must equip themselves with the right knowledge and skills to support the growth of the state’s industries in the years ahead. -UKASnews

Reporter: Betrice Britney Dee
Translator: Alezxandria Kapple
Photographer: Hisyam Arif