Budget 2027 puts people first

PEOPLE remain at the heart of Budget 2027, says Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

He said Budget 2027 will continue to support households facing life’s challenges while addressing the structural pressures that leave them vulnerable.

The state, he said, recognises an important principle that the best social protection is not simply a transfer of money.

“The best social protection is an economy that creates opportunity: a job with a good wage, a business that can grow, a skill that is valued by industry, farm produce that can reach the market, and a young person who can build a career in Sarawak.

“Budget 2027 will therefore combine social protection with economic empowerment.

“We will help people today while creating pathways for them to become more economically secure tomorrow,” he said when tabling the Supply (2027) Bill, 2026 on Monday (Oct 12).

Abang Johari, who is the Finance and New Economy minister, noted that economic growth is important, fiscal strength is vital, investment is necessary and infrastructure is critical.

However, he said development is ultimately about human well-being.

“It is about a family that can afford a decent life, a young person who can find meaningful employment, a rural community with the same dignity of access to essential services as an urban community, an elderly person who can live with security, and a child who receives a good education regardless of where he or she is born.

“That is what development means,” he said.