Wednesday, 17 December 2025

Author: Nura V Lorna

RM6 billion welcome but bigger amount needed in reality

SARAWAK welcomed the RM6 billion allocation under the National Budget 2026 but said the amount remained insufficient to meet the state’s extensive development needs. Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said although the allocation represented a slight increase from RM5.9 billion last year, more equitable federal support

SOE reforms and RBB extended in 2026, RM17.4mil allocated

SARAWAK will continue two major reform initiatives next year — the State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) Transformation Programme and Results-Based Budgeting (RBB) — with RM17.4 million allocated under the 2026 State Budget. Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said both reforms were central to strengthening public financial management and

Sarawak allocates RM28 million to expand S Pay Global in 2026

SARAWAK has allocated RM28 million next year to support the continued implementation and expansion of S Pay Global as the state’s flagship digital payment and financial inclusion platform. Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the state’s digital journey had made strong progress, with S Pay Global

HDC gets RM121 mln for 11 affordable housing projects

THE 2026 Sarawak Budget will continue supporting home financing, settlement planning and community redevelopment as part of broader social development priorities. Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said a total of RM121 million has been allocated to the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) to implement 11 affordable housing

RM13.1 bln state revenue projected next year

THE State’s total revenue for 2026 has been projected at RM13.1 billion, a slight decline from the 2025 forecast due to continued volatility in global commodity markets. Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said external economic pressures, particularly in the oil and gas sector, continued to influence

Sarawak projects RM13.1 bln revenue in 2026

SARAWAK is expected to record a budget surplus of RM144 million next year, supported by a projected revenue of RM13.1 billion and total Ordinary Expenditure of RM12.91 billion. Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the 2026 Sarawak Budget remained strategic and expansionary, building on the state’s

RM6.1 bln set aside to narrow urban-rural development gap

SARAWAK continues to maintain a strong rural focus in its 2026 Budget, with RM6.1 billion set aside for development initiatives aimed at narrowing the urban–rural divide. Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the rural allocation represented 66 per cent of the proposed RM9.3 billion Development Expenditure

RM6 mln for feasibility study on new Kuching international airport

SARAWAK has set aside RM6 million next year for site verification, feasibility studies and an integrated masterplan for the proposed new Kuching international airport. Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the study would shape the long-term direction of Sarawak’s aviation infrastructure as the state strengthened its

Livestream seller under fire for alleged divisive remarks against East Malaysians

MIRI: A Peninsular-based livestream seller has come under scrutiny for allegedly making inflammatory remarks targeting East Malaysians. Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) Piasau Branch Publicity Secretary and Miri City Councillor Tan Lek Jin said the remarks, made during multiple livestream sessions, contained insulting language that could provoke hostility between East