Sarawak revises 2026 revenue upwards to RM13.571 bln

SARAWAK has revised its projected revenue for 2026 upwards by four per cent to RM13.571 billion, largely driven by an increased special grant from the federal government.

Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the revised projection represents an increase of RM552 million from the original estimate of RM13.049 billion.

He said the improvement is mainly attributed to the federal government’s decision to increase the special grant for Sarawak from RM600 million to RM1.5 billion, effective this year.

“As of September, our revenue collection stands at RM10.732 billion, equivalent to 82 per cent of the year’s projected target.

“This strong collection is driven primarily by our major revenue contributors, which are from State Sales Tax at RM3.941 billion mainly from petroleum products and crude palm oil, cash compensation in lieu of oil and gas rights at RM2.334 billion, and dividend income of RM2.147 billion,” he said when tabling the Supply (2027) Bill, 2026.

On expenditure, Abang Johari said the state’s Ordinary Expenditure for 2026 has also been revised upwards by RM1.443 billion, or 11.2 per cent, from RM12.905 billion to RM14.348 billion.

He said RM9.434 billion, representing 66 per cent of the revised allocation, has been utilised as of September.

“Of this amount, RM3.959 billion was directed towards operating expenditure, while RM5.475 billion was appropriated to the Statutory Funds,” he added.

Meanwhile, he said development expenditure stood at RM5.604 billion, or 58 per cent of the RM9.663 billion allocated for the year.

“With development projects gaining momentum and implementation intensifying, expenditure is expected to increase further towards the end of the year,” he said.