Sarawak Budget expected to continue prioritising rural development

KUCHING: A surplus budget for 2026 is expected to be tabled, with development allocations focusing more on rural development at the upcoming State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting.

Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs, Information and UKAS), Datuk Abdullah Saidol, said the tendency to focus on rural development was expected to continue, in line with the approach taken in previous state budgets.

“I believe, firstly, it will be a surplus budget. And then, once again, I believe that this Budget will be geared towards development. Probably 60 per cent or more for development.

“Secondly, I think development expenditure will exceed operating expenditure. Within the development budget, it is likely to focus more on rural development,” he said.

He said this in his speech when officiating at the Sarawak Media Workshop 2026 at Multipurpose Hall, CENTEXS Santubong, Kuching here today.

Abdullah said among the priorities for rural areas would be efforts to upgrade road networks in interior areas, including plans to upgrade nearly 1,700 kilometres of logging roads.

“Other basic facilities, including electricity supply, telecommunications access and clean water supply systems, are also expected to remain part of the development focus,” he said.

On another development, he also commented on the RM1.5-billion interim grant recently announced by the federal government.

He expressed hope that it would be channelled soon to support the infrastructure development agenda, particularly in rural and interior areas.

“The channelling of the funds is important to accelerate development implementation and ensure that the people can benefit from basic facilities.

“This is where the federal government’s political commitment to fulfil the promise lies, and we hope that the RM1.5 billion can be channelled soon,” he said.

Meanwhile, he also touched on the workshop, which was held for the second time at CENTEXS Santubong, following its first edition at TEGAS Digital Village last Monday.

“We tried to bring as many speakers here as possible to share their experiences, particularly in the media field. I hope all of you will benefit from this effort,” he said briefly.