Sarawak welcomes RM16.2 billion federal allocation in Budget 2027

KUCHING, Oct 10: Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has expressed gratitude to the Federal Government following the announcement of a RM16.2 billion development allocation for Sarawak under Budget 2027.

Abang Johari stated that the funding reflects the strong spirit of federal-state cooperation.

“I would like to express my gratitude to the Prime Minister for increasing the Federal Government’s allocation to Sarawak to RM16.2 billion. Thank you to the Federal Government,” he said.

He was speaking at the parade held in conjunction with the 80th official birthday celebration of Head of State, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar at Padang Merdeka here today.

He emphasized that Sarawak continues to uphold its standing within the Federation, with the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and the Federal Constitution serving as the primary foundations for safeguarding the state’s constitutional rights and economic interests.

On negotiations, the Premier shared that 13 out of 29 matters tabled under the formal MA63 negotiation platform have been fully resolved as of September 2026, while another 5 issues have achieved partial or interim settlements.

Abang Johari also highlighted the official takeover of Bintulu Port on September 1 as a major economic milestone, enabling the state to further develop the facility into a key strategic asset.

The takeover, valued at RM1.8 billion following comprehensive evaluations between both governments, effectively ended 45 years of federal administration over the port facilities.

The official handover documents were witnessed by Abang Johari and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during the Malaysia Day celebrations on September 16, where Anwar also announced an increase in Sarawak’s Special Interim Grant from RM600 million to RM1.5 billion for 2026.

Reaffirming the state’s commitment to continuous engagement, Abang Johari stressed that Sarawak will maintain ongoing dialogue with Putrajaya grounded in mutual understanding and strategic partnership. – TVS