Anwar general interim payment of RM1.5 billion to Sarawak

KUCHING, 16 Sept: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced an interim payment of RM1.5 billion to Sarawak this evening, following negotiations with Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

Anwar said the decision was made on the basis of a spirit of friendship, loyalty and Malaysian spirit, despite Sarawak's strong financial position.

"For Sarawak, I say to Premier Abang Johari because of Sarawak's strong financial position, but for the loyalty spirit of friendship and Malaysian spirit, for interim for Sarawak I announce RM1.5 billion tonight", he said.

He said this while addressing the National Level Malaysia Day 2026 in Borneo Kuching Convention Centre (BCCK), here tonight.

The announcement followed his statement on September 11 that the interim payment to Sarawak is being finalized with Brother Johari and is expected to be announced on Malaysia Day.

Commenting further, Anwar said the good negotiations and relations between the Federal Government and state governments prove that the issues arising can be resolved.

"That is the secret of friendship and good negotiation. There is no problem that cannot be solved and solved", he said.

Earlier, the Federal Government agreed to channel RM1.5 billion in interim payments to Sabah starting this year, while negotiations on settling a claim for 40 percent of the state's revenues continued. - TVS