Ting: Sarawak Budget balances growth, public welfare

KUCHING: Sarawak’s 2027 Budget balances development spending, public welfare and long-term economic transformation, while ensuring communities from all walks of life share in the state’s progress, Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) secretary-general Datuk Sebastian Ting.

The Piasau assemblyman congratulated Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg on presenting the Budget themed “Together Building Prosperity and Securing Our Futures”.

He said the Budget maintained a strong development focus while addressing the people’s needs through continued investments in education, healthcare, cost-of-living assistance, small businesses and senior citizen welfare.

“The 2027 development expenditure amounts to RM10.098 billion, an increase of RM826 million or nine per cent from this year’s original estimate, and is the highest ever allocated by Sarawak,” he said in a statement today (Oct 13).

Among the key allocations are RM200 million for the Free Tertiary Education Scheme, expected to benefit 10,600 students, and RM650 million for the Sumbangan Keperluan Asas Sarawak (SKAS).

Ting also welcomed the continuation of the 25 percent electricity bill discount for domestic consumers, RM5 monthly water bill subsidy, Senior Citizen Health Benefit and 50 percent rental discount for hawker stalls and commercial premises under local authorities and statutory bodies.

He said the measures would help ease household expenses and support small and medium enterprises, hawkers, retailers and service-sector operators facing rising operating costs.

“This is in line with the inclusive development philosophy long upheld by SUPP and GPS — that Sarawak’s progress must be shared by people of all races and from all walks of life,” he said.

Sarawak is projected to record RM15.091 billion in revenue in 2027 against RM14.845 billion in ordinary expenditure, resulting in an estimated budget surplus of RM246 million.

Ting said the projected surplus reflected prudent financial management while allowing the state to expand development spending and assistance for the people.

He added that the Budget supported Sarawak’s economic transformation towards green energy, technology, advanced manufacturing and other high-value sectors.

These initiatives, he said, could create more employment and business opportunities while giving young Sarawakians greater prospects to build their futures in the state.

Ting said SUPP would continue supporting policies that advance Sarawak’s development and public well-being, while calling for the effective implementation of the announced measures to ensure communities throughout the state benefited.