KUCHING: The Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government remains committed to development, with the 2026 Sarawak budget continuing the trend of allocating the majority of funds to development projects.
“The 2026 budget, like all previous budgets, allocates about 60 to 70 percent for development against 30 to 40 percent for recurrent expenditure,” said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Abang Johari said the state is expecting an estimated revenue of RM13.1 billion and an expenditure of RM12.91 billion thus resulting in a surplus budget for next year.
“We do not want to boast that our revenue and budget are big, but it reflects the GPS government’s commitment to expedite development, especially in road infrastructure, water supply, and electricity for the benefit of our people, while creating an ecosystem conducive to Sarawak’s economic transformation,” he said.
Highlighting the state’s progress over the past eight years, Abang Johari noted that Sarawak’s income has increased 2.4 times.
He said this is a blessing that must benefit all Sarawakians through improved infrastructure, basic facilities, and human capital development.
“Recently, I had the honour of officiating the Miri–Marudi–Mulu–Long Panai–Long Lama (MMMLL) highway project, which will cost RM3.8 billion from Sarawak’s own funds. This highway, with a main stretch of 142 kilometres, is not merely a road but a new lifeline and economic corridor that will open development opportunities for communities previously accessible only by water or air transport.
“In addition, the recently launched Sarawak–Sabah Link Road Phase 2 (SSLR2) will strengthen the road network in northern Sarawak, connecting the state to Sabah without passing through Brunei. Phase 2 continues from Phase 1, which runs from Lawas to Long Luping and has now reached 57.6 percent completion.
“Through this road, residents in northern Sarawak will no longer be burdened by crossing fees, passport procedures, or immigration posts before reaching their destinations,” he said.
Looking ahead, Abang Johari said the state government plans to take over logging roads across the state, spanning 6,000 kilometres, to convert them into public roads by 2030.
“All these projects will strengthen connectivity in northern Sarawak and unlock new economic potential, especially in agriculture and rural tourism.,” he said.
