Budget 2026 realistic, forward-looking, says Kabong rep, calls for inclusive rollout

KUCHING (Nov 28): The success of the 2026 Sarawak Budget hinges on strong implementation and effective delivery on the ground, said Kabong assemblyman Mohd Chee Kadir.

Speaking during the debate on the Supply (2026) Bill 2025 at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN), Mohd Chee commended Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg for presenting a budget aligned with the Post-Covid Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, describing it as “more than an ordinary annual budget.”

He noted that Sarawak’s financial position remains robust, with the RM12.91-billion budget supported by projected revenue of RM11.05 billion, maintaining a surplus while accelerating the state’s development agenda.

“Many states continue to face deficits, yet Sarawak remains disciplined and stable,” he said, adding earlier claims that the state would go bankrupt proved unfounded.

“Under the leadership of Abang Johari, Sarawak has never been stronger,” he said when debating on the Supply (2026) Bill 2025 and the accompanying motion on development expenditure at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) here.

Mohd Chee emphasised that while the 2026 Budget is comprehensive and progressive, its success ultimately depends on disciplined implementation, transparency, and ensuring that no community, particularly in rural areas, is left behind.

He welcomed the government’s push for modern agriculture — including precision farming, agrotechnology parks, IoT, and metropolitan food clusters — but urged safeguards to ensure rural farmers benefit as well.

He proposed an ‘Agri-Adoption Grant’ to help smallholders acquire basic automation equipment.

“Technology must be inclusive and accessible, not concentrated only among large corporations,” he said.

Mohd Chee also called for prioritising the local economy, including fishermen, youth entrepreneurs, and tourism operators.

He suggested reducing the age limit for special fishing boat licences from 40 to 18 years to allow younger fishermen to operate legally and encourage compliance.

On infrastructure concerns, he raised the issue of the collapsed bund along Sungai Seblak affecting Kampung Sungai Benang and Empayang.

While acknowledging recent mitigation works, he questioned the timeline for the main project.

With Phase 1 estimated at RM21 million and Phase 2 at RM59 million, Mohd Chee urged the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) to clarify action plans and timelines, noting that the erosion occurred in 2021 and works have yet to commence.