Royston: Sarawak Budget 2027 must continue prioritising rural development

KUCHING: Sarawak Budget 2027 should continue prioritising rural development while strengthening urban growth, with greater emphasis on education, agriculture, youth development and entrepreneurship to improve people’s livelihoods.

Tellian assemblyman, Royston Valentine said the state’s encouraging revenue outlook for 2026 has raised expectations that more initiatives and benefits could be channelled to the people, particularly rural communities.

He said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg had provided a positive indication of Sarawak’s revenue performance for 2026 during last Friday’s pre-council meeting, with the state expected to record its highest revenue achievement in history.

“This development gives us confidence that more initiatives and benefits can be delivered to the people, especially rural communities,” he told Sarawak Tribune when contacted.

Royston said continued investment in basic rural infrastructure remained essential in line with the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030).

However, he stressed that development efforts should go beyond physical infrastructure to strengthen human capital, create economic opportunities, and raise household incomes.

He identified education and youth development as important areas for building human capital, while agriculture and entrepreneurship should be strengthened as key drivers of the people’s economy, particularly for lower-income groups.

“For Tellian, among my priorities are the continuation of basic infrastructure projects, including rural roads, wider access to clean water, electricity and telecommunications, as well as improvements to drainage and flood mitigation systems in areas frequently affected by flooding,” he said.

Royston also highlighted the need to strengthen tourism in Mukah Division, saying major development projects could transform Mukah’s urban landscape while capitalising on its demographic advantages, history and distinctive cultural heritage.

He said the development of the tourism sector should make full use of the division’s unique strengths to create more opportunities for local communities and support economic growth.

Royston expressed hope that Budget 2027 would translate into projects that are implemented efficiently and effectively, with tangible benefits for the people.

He said Sarawak’s strong financial position and the performance of state government agencies should be leveraged to ensure development initiatives deliver meaningful results.

Under Abang Johari’s leadership, he is confident that balanced and inclusive development would remain a priority, ensuring rural communities throughout Sarawak are not left behind as the state progressed towards 2030.