Batu Kitang ADUN gives the thumbs-up to people-centric state Budget 2027

KUCHING: The people-centric approach of Sarawak’s Budget 2027, particularly its assistance for households, senior citizens and students, will help ensure the state’s economic growth translates into tangible benefits for the people.

Batu Kitang assemblyman Datuk Lo Khere Chiang said the budget combined development spending with targeted assistance to ease the cost of living, improve access to education and healthcare, and create greater opportunities for Sarawakians.

“I am therefore particularly encouraged by the people-centred approach of the Budget 2027,” he told Sarawak Tribune.

Lo described the budget as a reflection of Sarawak’s growing financial strength, prudent resource management and continued commitment to development and public well-being
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He noted that Sarawak’s revenue is projected to reach RM15.091 billion in 2027, more than double the RM6.864 billion recorded in 2017. The budget also provides RM10.098 billion for development expenditure and projects a surplus of RM246 million.

He said economic progress should be measured by its impact on ordinary families, including relief from the cost of living, better employment opportunities, higher household incomes and improved prospects for younger generations.

Among the measures he welcomed is the RM650 million allocation for Sumbangan Keperluan Asas Sarawak (SKAS) to help eligible Sarawakians meet their essential needs.

The continuation of the 25 per cent electricity bill discount for domestic consumers and the RM5 monthly water bill subsidy would also provide relief to households, he said.

Lo also welcomed welfare initiatives such as the Senior Citizens Health Benefit and Kenyalang Gold Card, as well as continued investment in healthcare, including the development of the Sarawak Cancer Centre.

On education, he commended the state government for allocating RM200 million to continue the Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) in 2027, which is expected to benefit up to 10,600 students.

He said the scheme would ease the financial burden of university education and give eligible young Sarawakians greater opportunities to pursue their ambitions.

Beyond direct assistance, Lo highlighted the importance of investing in infrastructure, digital connectivity and emerging industries to sustain Sarawak’s economic growth.

He welcomed the state’s push into renewable energy, hydrogen, semiconductor technology, artificial intelligence and the digital economy, alongside allocations of RM309 million for SMART telecommunications towers and RM20 million for rural broadband subsidies.

He said improved digital connectivity would enable more Sarawakians to participate in the digital economy, while better transportation and air links would support tourism, business, education and family connections.

Lo also welcomed the state’s plans for AirBorneo as part of its long-term connectivity and economic development strategy.

He said the budget marked another step in Sarawak’s development journey, with its success ultimately depending on effective implementation and whether the announced measures improved people’s livelihoods.

As Sarawak moves towards 2030, he called for continued unity and efforts to preserve social harmony, safeguard the state’s rights and autonomy, and ensure the economic progress benefits future generations.