Sarawak continues cost-of-living relief in 2027

SARAWAK will continue targeted cost-of-living relief measures in 2027, including electricity bill discounts and water bill subsidies, alongside allocations for healthcare assistance and social support programmes for vulnerable groups.

Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the state government remained committed to protecting the people’s disposable income amid rising living costs while ensuring access to healthcare and welfare support.

“To protect the disposable income of our rakyat against rising living costs, I am pleased to announce a continuation of targeted relief measures,” he said when tabling the Supply (2027) Bill, 2026, at the State Legislative Assembly sitting today.

Under the measures, a 25 per cent electricity bill discount will continue from January to December 2027, benefiting about 716,000 domestic consumers across Sarawak, with a financial implication of RM281 million.

The RM5 monthly water bill subsidy under the free water programme will also continue, benefiting approximately 600,000 domestic consumers at a cost of RM35 million.

Abang Johari said the state’s welfare agenda would also continue to prioritise healthcare assistance, with RM14.2 million allocated for Bantuan Perubatan and Bantuan Pesakit Buah Pinggang in 2027.

The assistance is intended to facilitate timely medical treatment and ease the financial burden of dialysis for patients with end-stage kidney disease.

For senior citizens, the Senior Citizens Health Benefit will continue with an allocation of RM50 million, providing cashless outpatient healthcare of up to RM500 per person annually for households earning RM7,000 and below.

The Kenyalang Gold Card’s Death Compassionate Assistance of RM1,800 will also continue, supported by an allocation of RM12 million to help ease families’ financial burden following a bereavement.

Beyond financial and healthcare assistance, the state government will maintain its investment in social support facilities to protect and empower vulnerable groups.

An allocation of RM1.4 million will support homeless transit centres in Sibu, Kuching, Miri and Bintulu, while RM1 million will be provided for the Special Needs Community Centre.

Another RM850,000 will go towards Community Social Support Centres in Kuching, Sri Aman, Sibu, Bintulu, Lawas and Mukah.

The government will also allocate RM300,000 for the establishment of a Community Halfway Home in Sibu.

Abang Johari said the initiatives reflected a government that governed with compassion, foresight and responsibility while balancing fiscal discipline with social equity.

“By strengthening our safety nets, we strengthen the very fabric of Sarawak, ensuring that every citizen, regardless of circumstances, is given the opportunity to live with dignity, hope, and security,” he said.

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DUN-premier relief-1210-jj: Abang Johari tables the Supply (2027) Bill, 2026, at the State Legislative Assembly sitting. Photo: GHAZALI BUJANG