MIRI: Sarawak continues to make significant achievements through a strategic development approach which is focused and centred on the interests of the people.

Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) Datuk Gerawat Gala said that the revenue of the Sarawak Government reached approximately RM14 billion in 2024 and was maintained at the same level in 2025.

He said that the state's progress was not by chance, but instead is the result of a clear policy and the leadership of the Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg.

"Under the leadership of Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari, the state's revenue has continued to be strengthened through various economic initiatives that have increased Sarawak's financial capacity.

"It will allow more development projects to be implemented for the well-being of the people without relying too much on the Federal Government's allocation," he said.

He said this while speaking during the Subis District Ngiling Bidai Gawai 2026 Dinner Ceremony here, on Tuesday.

Datuk Gerawat added that the state's increasing income translates into investment in infrastructure development, education, health, water supply, electricity as well as various development programmes that directly benefit the people throughout Sarawak.

Meanwhile, he noted that the Ngiling Bidai celebration not only marks the end of the Gawai season, but also becomes a symbol of gratitude, unity and harmony of the Dayak community which needs to be preserved as a cultural heritage.

"The spirit of unity and harmony enjoyed by the multiracial people in Sarawak needs to be preserved because it is the basis for the economic progress and development of the state," he said.

At the event, he also announced a contribution of RM10,000 to the Sibuti Tuai Rumah Association as a token of appreciation for the efforts of organising a dinner in conjunction with the Subis District's Ngiling Bidai Gawai Ceremony 2026.

Some 450 guests from all over Subis District including Kemena, Samalaju, Saeh, Bekenu, Sibuti and Niah attended the ceremony.

Also present were Deputy Minister for Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Datuk Rosey Yunus, Subis District Officer and Co-Chairman of the Subis District Ngiling Bidai Gawai 2026 Dinner Committee Ashard Samshu, Chairman of Sibuti Tuai Rumah Association Morris Tugau and Temenggong Boniface Bada Enjah. -UKASnews