Dr Sim speaking to reporters at the Sarawak-level Chinese New Year 2026 Open House at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) on Feb 17, 2026.

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By Amanda L

KUCHING, Feb 17: Sarawak could narrow its development gap with Peninsular Malaysia within five years through effective management of a projected budget of RM75 billion, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.

He explained maintaining an annual State budget of about RM15 billion places Sarawak in a stronger position to upgrade healthcare, education and infrastructure, compared to previous years when financial constraints limited progress.

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Speaking to reporters at the Sarawak-level Chinese New Year 2026 Open House at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) today, he noted that reliance on borrowing and extensive development backlogs had previously slowed the State’s advancement.

“Last time we could not catch up because we were borrowing and had many gaps to close, such as hospitals, schools and infrastructure. Now we have more money.

“Unity among Sarawakians is necessary to ensure available resources translate into tangible development outcomes, describing the coming years as a critical period for the State,” he said.

The Deputy Premier added that development requires collective responsibility, noting that progress depends not only on government action but also on public contribution towards nation-building. — DayakDaily