BUDGET 2026: RM6 BILLION FOR SARAWAK REFLECTS COMMITMENT OF FEDERAL GOVT

KUCHING, Oct 11 (Bernama) -- An allocation of RM6 billion to Sarawak in Budget 2026 reflects the MADANI Government's determination to strengthen the relationship between federal and state governments, thus ensuring a more balanced development across the country.

Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the move by the federal government under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim proves its concern for the development of the state.

“I would like to express my gratitude to the federal government for providing an allocation of RM6 billion in the upcoming budget. Of course, this can further strengthen the relationship between the federal government and Sarawak.

“What is more important is to strengthen the direction of the country’s economic development, especially for the state of Sarawak,” he said when speaking at the 79th Birthday Celebration of the Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak Tun Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar at Padang Merdeka, here, today.

In Budget 2026 tabled yesterday, Anwar announced that Sabah and Sarawak would receive the highest development allocations of RM6.9 billion and RM6 billion respectively, a vast increase compared to RM4.4 billion and RM2.9 billion in 2022.

The increase reflects the government’s commitment to closing the gap in basic infrastructure development between Sabah and Sarawak with other states in the Peninsula, in line with the spirit of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).

In addition, the government also maintained an allocation (special grant) of RM600 million under MA63 for next year

The government has also allocated RM350 million to upgrade the road pavement structure along the red line section between Durin and Salim in Sibu, bringing the total amount of public infrastructure projects in Sabah and Sarawak to RM48 billion.

-- BERNAMA