Sarawak poised to catch up with West Malaysia with RM75 bln budget over five years, says Dr Sim

KUCHING (Feb 17): Sarawak should be able to catch up with other states in key sectors over the next five years if it manages its substantial resources well and maintains an annual state budget of RM15 billion, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.

He said that based on the current budget allocation, the state would need approximately RM75 billion over five years, putting it in a strong position to advance in critical areas such as healthcare, education and infrastructure.

“With those types of funding, if Sarawakians can come together and we still cannot catch up to West Malaysia, it means we ourselves are not good enough,” he told reporters at the Sarawak state-level Chinese New Year Open House at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK).

Dr Sim noted that in the past, Sarawak struggled to progress due to limited funds and reliance on borrowing.

“Last time we could not catch up because we were borrowing and we had so many things to catch up on, such as hospitals, schools, infrastructure… Now we have more money. If we still cannot catch up, then we must reflect on ourselves,” he said.

He stressed that unity and shared values are essential to ensure the state’s growing resources are used effectively.

“These few years are very critical for us. If we come together and uphold the values of Sarawak nation-building — don’t fight, don’t be divided — then we can move forward together,” he said.

Dr Sim reiterated that development should not be driven solely by wealth, but by collective responsibility and pride in the state.

“It is not only about what the country can do for you, but also what you can do for the country. It must go both ways,” he said.

He added that the unity displayed at the state-level Chinese New Year Open House provides a strong foundation for Sarawak to realise its development aspirations in the coming years.