KUCHING: Sarawak is pitching investability through budget discipline and faster approvals.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said Sarawak Budget 2026 was framed on conservative assumptions amid global volatility and tighter financial conditions.
“The Sarawak Budget 2026 is framed on conservative assumptions, recognising global volatility and tighter financial conditions,” he added.
He said this when speaking at the ASEAN Sarawak Business and Economic Forum 2026 held at Hilton Hotel here today.
Sarawak continued to project a budget surplus, supported by disciplined financial management, diversified revenue sources and strong reserves.
“Despite this, Sarawak continues to project a budget surplus. This reflects disciplined financial management, diversified revenue sources, and strong reserves,” he reiterated.
“For investors and businesses, the signal is straightforward. We offer fiscal credibility.”
Abang Johari said that discipline was translated into RM9.3 billion in development expenditure.
He stressed that energy remained central to competitiveness, with rising demand from AI, data centres, and advanced manufacturing.
“Energy is a central pillar of Sarawak’s competitiveness,” he added.
He said execution was being strengthened through InvestSarawak coordination and a Sarawak Investment Policy to provide clearer rules, faster approvals and more predictable processes.
“We have strengthened coordination through InvestSarawak and are finalising a Sarawak Investment Policy to provide clearer rules, faster approvals and more predictable processes.
“Sarawak was preparing an implementation framework for a carbon levy mechanism, with consideration of socio-economic impacts and industry competitiveness,” he shared.
“As Sarawak prepares its implementation framework to introduce a carbon levy mechanism, thorough considerations have been made on socio-economic impacts and industry competitiveness to support businesses in their transition.”
