Budget 2027: Sarawak wants clear development allocations

KUCHING, 11 Oct: Sarawak will review in detail the allocations announced under Budget 2027 to identify the number of new development projects and connectivity projects involving the state.

Deputy Prime Minister of Sarawak, Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said that the study is important to determine the real benefits Sarawak will receive from the provision.

"For Sarawak, we need to look at the details of the budget, including the number of new projects and extension projects. The details are crucial to ensure the real benefits that Sarawak will receive", he said in a statement today.

At the same time, he welcomed the increase in scholarship allocation of Department of Public Services (JPA) announced by Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim when presenting Budget 2027.

"We thank the Federal Government for increasing JPA scholarship allocations. Nevertheless, Sarawak has already offered free higher education to all eligible for entry into Sarawak Government universities and 42 per cent of them also receive monthly pocket money", he said.

In the health sector, Dr. Sim describes the establishment of specialist dental clinics as a good start.

However, he said that Sarawak still needs additional health support facilities, including a regional blood bank and central laboratory to strengthen the delivery of health services to the people.

He who is also the Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government said that Sarawak needs an allocation of RM8.9 billion to address the problems of daif clinics and hospitals in the state.

In the meantime, Dr Sim hoped that more concrete progress could be made in implementing the 1963 Malaysia Agreement (MA63).

"We look forward to seeing more concrete progress in the implementation of MA63", he explained.