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 strengthened revenue base and prudent fiscal management.
“It empowers us to make bold investments in infrastructure, digital transformation, and sustainable development, while placing the well-being of the rakyat at the heart of our priorities,” he said when tabling the 2026 Budget during the 19th State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting.
For 2026, Abang Johari said the state proposed an Ordinary Expenditure of RM12.9 billion, with RM5.6 billion allocated for operating expenses and RM7.3 billion earmarked as appropriation to the Development Fund Account.
He said the appropriation is intended to top up the carried-forward balance in the Development Fund Account to finance the RM9.3 billion Development Expenditure planned for next year.
Of the RM5.6 billion Operating Expenditure, RM1.4 billion or 25 per cent would cover personnel emoluments, while RM2.2 billion or 38 per cent would be channelled to supplies and services.
A further RM1.8 billion or 32 per cent has been allocated for grants and fixed payments, including operating grants for statutory bodies and local authorities, servicing of public debts and the payment of pensions, gratuities and scholarships.
The Operating Expenditure also includes RM99 million for asset procurement and RM150 million for other operating costs.
Under the Development Expenditure, Abang Johari said RM9.3 billion has been allocated to support projects across key sectors as Sarawak responded to ongoing global uncertainties, including fluctuating commodity prices and geopolitical tensions.
He said the value of the Budget should not be viewed solely through the size of its allocation but through the impact it aimed to deliver.
