Sarawak’s RM15.09 bln revenue projection, State Budget 2027 dominate first day of DUN sitting

THE tabling of the Sarawak 2027 Budget took centre stage on the first day of the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today (Oct 12), with the state government projecting RM15.091 billion in revenue and proposing RM14.845 billion in ordinary expenditure for next year.

Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, who is also Minister for Finance and New Economy, tabled the Supply (2027) Bill, 2026, outlining the state’s financial priorities, with particular emphasis on infrastructure, rural development, education and social welfare.

The budget also provides RM10.098 billion in development expenditure, of which RM6.4 billion (about 64 per cent) will be directed towards rural development initiatives.

Of the RM14.845 billion in ordinary expenditure, RM9.098 billion will be channelled to statutory funds, including the Development Fund Account, while the remaining RM5.747 billion will cover operating expenditure.

With projected revenue exceeding ordinary expenditure, Sarawak is expecting a budget surplus of RM246 million in 2027.

Among the major infrastructure initiatives outlined are RM2.27 billion under Alternative Funding for road projects, RM998 million for the Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS) and RM454 million for water supply facilities.

Education also received significant attention, with RM200 million allocated for the Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES), which is expected to benefit up to 10,600 students next year.

Meanwhile, the state government will continue providing financial assistance through the Sumbangan Keperluan Asas Sarawak (SKAS), with eligible households receiving RM1,100, senior citizens RM600 and singles RM375.

Other priorities include strengthening food security, expanding industrial development, improving digital connectivity and supporting Sarawak’s transition towards a green economy.

Earlier, the sitting commenced at 9.05am with a prayer recital, followed by remarks from DUN Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar.

Asfia congratulated recipients of state honours conferred in conjunction with the 80th birthday celebration of the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar.

He also conveyed condolences to the family of former DUN Speaker and Padungan assemblyman Datuk Song Swee Guan, who had also served as the first mayor of Kuching South City Council (MBKS).

The Speaker further extended condolences to the families of the five victims of the Flying Doctor Service (FDS) helicopter crash in Long Lellang on Sept 8.

The sitting, which is the last for the current DUN term, is scheduled to continue with debates on the 2027 Budget and other legislative business in the coming days.