KUCHING, Nov 24 (Bernama) -- Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg today unveiled a RM12.9 billion Budget for 2026, comprising RM7.3 billion for development expenditure and RM5.6 billion for operating expenditure.
Themed “Empowering People, Advancing Prosperity, Building a Resilient Future,” he said the budget reflects the Sarawak government’s commitment to sustaining economic growth, strengthening social welfare and accelerating development in line with the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030).
“With the projected revenue of RM13.05 billion and total ordinary expenditure of RM12.91 billion, the 2026 Sarawak Budget is expected to generate a surplus of RM144 million,” he said when tabling the budget at the State Legislative Assembly sitting here today.
Abang Johari said that a total of RM6.1 billion, or 66 per cent of the entire development budget, will go towards rural development initiatives, including roads, utilities and socio-economic projects.
Among the allocations were RM350 million for Rural Transformation Projects; RM315 million for Regional Development Agencies; RM267 million for the Special Project Programme; and RM100 million for the implementation of People’s Projects.
“This budget continues to prioritise high-impact programmes that will strengthen Sarawak’s long-term economic resilience,” he said.
Meanwhile, the operating expenditure will cover the state's administrative commitments, which include RM1.4 billion for personnel emoluments, RM2.2 billion for supplies and services, RM1.8 billion for grants and fixed payments, RM99 million for assets procurement and RM150 million for other operational needs.
Abang Johari said Sarawak remains committed to fiscal prudence while ensuring that development continues to reach every region, particularly rural and remote areas.
He added that the state will further diversify its revenue sources and strengthen strategic sectors as part of its long-term plan to achieve a high-income and sustainable economy.
-- BERNAMA
BERNAMA provides up-to-date authentic and comprehensive news and information which are disseminated via BERNAMA Wires; www.bernama.com; BERNAMA TV on Astro 502, unifi TV 631 and MYTV 121 channels and BERNAMA Radio on FM93.9 (Klang Valley), FM107.5 (Johor Bahru), FM107.9 (Kota Kinabalu) and FM100.9 (Kuching) frequencies.
Follow us on social media :
Facebook : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatv, @bernamaradio
Twitter : @bernama.com, @BernamaTV, @bernamaradio
Instagram : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatvofficial, @bernamaradioofficial
TikTok : @bernamaofficial
