Sarawak Forecasts RM13.1 Billion Revenue For Next Year
KUCHING: The Sarawak Government has projected a revenue of RM13.1 billion against an expenditure of RM12.91 billion, resulting in a surplus budget.
Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, stated that the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government does not intend to boast about the high revenue or the scale of the budget. Instead, he emphasised that these figures reflect the state government's firm commitment to accelerating development.
“The GPS Government’s commitment to development remains steadfast. The 2026 Budget, much like previous ones, allocates approximately 60 to 70 percent for development expenditure, compared to 30 to 40 percent for operating expenses,” he said in a special 2025 Christmas message on Wednesday.
He added that this development spending focuses specifically on providing road infrastructure, water, and electricity supplies for the benefit of the people, while creating an ecosystem conducive to Sarawak’s economic transformation.
Furthermore, the Sarawak Premier noted that the state’s income has increased 2.4-fold compared to eight years ago. He described this as a blessing to be shared with all Sarawakians, particularly through the provision of infrastructure, basic facilities, and human capital development.
Among the major initiatives highlighted was the 142km Miri–Marudi–Mulu–Long Panai–Long Lama (MMMLL) road project. Costing RM3.8 billion, the project is funded entirely by Sarawak’s own internal resources.
Additionally, the newly commenced Sarawak–Sabah Link Road Phase 2 (SSLR2) will further strengthen the road network in northern Sarawak, connecting the state to Sabah without the need to pass through Brunei.
“SSLR Phase 2 is a continuation of SSLR Phase 1, stretching from Lawas to Long Luping, which has currently reached a 57.6% completion rate. Through the construction of these roads, residents in northern Sarawak will no longer need to bear crossing costs, manage passports, or pass through immigration checkpoints to travel between domestic destinations,” he remarked.
The Premier also revealed that the Sarawak Government plans to take full control of approximately 6,000 kilometres of logging roads across the state to upgrade them into public roads by 2030.
As these projects are implemented, the collective initiatives are expected to bolster connectivity in northern Sarawak and unlock new economic potential, particularly within the agriculture and rural tourism sectors. — UKASnews
