Ensure effective policy delivery

Business reforms must reduce administrative burdens and support long term growth

KUCHING: Faster approvals, lower compliance costs and greater opportunities for local companies must be among the key outcomes of Sarawak’s 2027 Budget, said business and community leader Dato Sim Kiang Chiok.

He said the Ease of Doing Business Reform Blueprint must deliver practical improvements rather than remain a policy commitment, particularly for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) facing administrative delays and rising operating costs.

“The Government should ensure that the blueprint translates into measurable improvements, including faster approvals, clearer requirements, more efficient digital services and a predictable regulatory environment,” he said.

Sim welcomed the budget presented by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, including its projected RM246 million surplus, RM10.098 billion development allocation and RM300 million contribution to the Sarawak Sovereign Wealth Future Fund.

However, he stressed that stronger public finances and development spending must translate into better business conditions, higher household incomes and more employment opportunities.

He also welcomed the Made in Sarawak initiative, saying local manufacturers and producers should be supported in improving product quality, branding, processing capabilities and export competitiveness.

Beyond promoting local products, he said Sarawakian companies must secure a larger share of the economic opportunities arising from major investments.

“Our local enterprises must have greater opportunities to participate in the supply chains created by major investments entering the state,” he said.

On the proposed Onshore International Financial Centre (OIFC), Sim said the initiative could improve access to financing for emerging industries and strengthen Sarawak’s position as an investment destination.

However, its success would depend on credible regulation, sound governance, professional expertise and strong institutional capabilities.

He also identified renewable energy, hydrogen, oil and gas, carbon storage and downstream manufacturing as potential sources of new investment, state revenue and skilled employment.

Sim stressed that these sectors should provide meaningful opportunities for local companies through supply chain participation, technology transfer and workforce development.

“Local companies must be equipped to participate in new industries rather than merely observing investment opportunities being taken up by external players,” he said.

He also called for education and training programmes, including TVET, free tertiary education and graduate employment initiatives, to be aligned with industry requirements.

Meanwhile, he welcomed continued household assistance, including electricity and water subsidies, Sarawak Basic Needs Assistance (SKAS), housing assistance and affordable public transport.

He said infrastructure investment in rural areas, particularly roads, utilities and broadband connectivity, remained essential to ensuring development benefits reached communities beyond major urban centres.

Sim also supported efforts to strengthen agriculture, food processing and tourism while maintaining environmental safeguards.

He said the budget’s success should ultimately be reflected in reduced bureaucracy, stronger local enterprises, better-paying jobs and meaningful improvements in household living standards.