See calls for Sarawak’s wealth to improve livelihoods

SARAWAK’S financial strength, with state revenue projected to reach RM15.091 billion in 2027, should not be viewed merely as a numerical achievement but must translate into better incomes, quality jobs and a higher standard of living for the people.

Batu Lintang assemblyman See Chee How said the increase in revenue from RM6.864 billion in 2017 gave Sarawak greater room to invest in infrastructure, education, economic diversification and institutional development that could deliver long-term benefits.

“We cannot equate a wealthy government with a prosperous society. The true meaning of increased revenue is not simply how much money the government collects, but what we choose to do with that money.

“The real measure of the state’s progress is whether the people enjoy higher incomes, meaningful employment, better public services, economic security and an improved quality of life,” he said when debating the Supply (2027) Bill, 2026 during the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Sitting today (Oct 14).

He also stressed that the state’s prosperity must be felt at the household level, including through projects that directly improve people’s lives.

“The RM100.215 million Sungai Maong Kiri Flood Mitigation Project, which is currently being implemented, is expected to benefit more than 40,000 residents in Batu Lintang and Kota Sentosa.

“The project was designed based on a 100-year Average Recurrence Interval (ARI) to reduce the risk of flash floods affecting residents’ homes and property,” he said.

At the same time, he welcomed Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s direction to develop renewable and low-carbon energy, advanced manufacturing, digital technology, artificial intelligence, aerospace and modern agriculture.

“These sectors have the potential to move Sarawak away from dependence on raw materials towards a high-value, knowledge-based economy,” he said.

On education, See described the Free Tertiary Education Scheme, with an allocation of RM200 million in 2027 and expected to benefit up to 10,600 students, as an important investment in the state’s future.

“Educational opportunities must go hand in hand with industry needs so that Sarawakian graduates possess the skills genuinely required by the new economy.

“We must not only attract the industries of the future. We must prepare our own people to lead those industries.

“The government can open the doors of opportunity, but our young people must be ready to walk through them,” he said.

He also highlighted the Batu Lintang Free School Bus Pilot Project, which aims to assist B40 families, as well as the Learn-to-Swim and Rescue Skills Programme, which has provided free training to 960 pupils from 10 primary schools over the past two and a half years.

“Not every meaningful public investment requires large buildings or expensive infrastructure.

“Sometimes, the most valuable investment is one that gives a child confidence, brings peace of mind to a family or equips a young person with skills that will serve them throughout their life,” he said.

On rural development, he welcomed the allocation of RM6.4 billion, or approximately 64 per cent of the state’s total development expenditure.

He said roads, bridges, water and electricity supplies, and digital connectivity must serve as foundations for economic empowerment rather than merely physical amenities.

“The government has a responsibility to create opportunities, while we, as Sarawakians, have a responsibility to make the best possible use of them.

“History will not judge our generation solely by the opportunities we inherited, but by the courage with which we used those opportunities.

“This is our time, this is our opportunity, and this is Sarawak’s moment. Let us rise to this moment together,” he said.

Sarawak Budget 2027 also allocates RM10.098 billion for development expenditure, with a projected surplus of RM246 million, alongside a RM300 million contribution to the Sarawak Future Sovereign Wealth Fund.