KUCHING: Budget 2026 is a positive and inclusive step towards a sustainable and reform-driven economy.
In welcoming it the Sarawak Civil Society Organisation and Sustainable Development Goals (CSO-SDG) Alliance commended the federal government’s commitment to strengthening social protection, promoting Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) practices and ensuring integrity in governance.
Co-Chair of the Alliance, Gabriel Hii, said the budget provides an opportunity to link economic growth with environmental stewardship.
“Sarawak’s biodiversity is not just nature to be protected; it is economic capital for the state’s green future.
“With the right policies, biodiversity can drive sustainable tourism, agroecology and technological innovation,” he said in a statement.
He emphasised that Sarawak’s natural wealth from rainforests and peat swamps to rivers and marine ecosystems should be treated as a foundation for a green and inclusive economy.
Among the highlights of Budget 2026 are RM6 billion in development allocations for Sarawak, RM600 million in MA63 special grants and RM1 billion in green financing under the Green Technology Financing Scheme 5.0, along with the introduction of a Carbon Tax next year.
The Alliance also welcomed governance-related reforms, including the Government Procurement Act, State-Owned Enterprises Act and Freedom of Information Act, which are expected to boost transparency and accountability.
At the same time, it called for greater focus on youth-oriented housing models and job creation.
The Alliance proposed adapting Singapore’s Housing & Development Board (HDB) biophilic community model to provide affordable, livable homes for young professionals and families.
To enhance employment opportunities, it suggested establishing a Green and Just Transition Fund to connect biodiversity and carbon economy initiatives with local job creation and skills training.
The group also stressed the need to expand High Conservation Value (HCV) practices beyond plantations and forestry to the community level, ensuring local people benefit directly from biodiversity conservation efforts.
In addition, the Alliance urged the government to strengthen preventive health, mental well-being and life skills programmes through community-based initiatives and wellness centres across secondary towns such as Sri Aman, Sarikei, Mukah, Kapit and Limbang.
To ensure accountability, the Alliance proposed a National Impact Measurement Framework to track outcomes across regions, gender and age groups, aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and ESG indicators.
“The progress of a budget cannot be judged by numbers alone.It must be measured by whether people’s lives in Sarawak truly improve — with safe housing, dignified jobs and fair opportunities,” Hii added.
The Alliance said while Budget 2026 marks a positive step towards sustainability, its success will depend on effective implementation and tangible impact at the grassroots level.
