Sarawak unveils 2027 Budget focusing on social welfare and economic growth

Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has tabled the Sarawak Budget 2027, outlining extensive allocations for social welfare, education, healthcare, and economic development.

To alleviate the cost of living, the state will continue a 25 per cent electricity discount for approximately 716,000 domestic users and a RM5 monthly water bill subsidy for 600,000 users. The Sarawak Basic Needs Assistance (SKAS) has been allocated RM650 million, providing RM1,100 to eligible households, RM600 to seniors, and RM375 to single citizens. Additionally, RM50 million is dedicated to the Senior Citizen Health Benefit programme, offering cashless outpatient care for households earning RM7,000 and below.

Education initiatives include RM200 million for the Free Higher Education Scheme (FTES) to support 10,600 students, RM30.5 million for free laptops, and RM50 million for students studying outside Sarawak. The state also continues to support student travel through the i-GPS programme and PTPTN loan subsidies.

Economic and infrastructure investments include RM289.7 million for tourism, heritage, and creative sectors, with a target of RM14 billion in tourism receipts. Major projects include transforming the Old DUS Building into a State Performing Arts Centre and redeveloping the Kuching Waterfront.

Financially, Sarawak has revised its 2026 revenue projection upward to RM13.571 billion, driven by an increase in the federal Special Grant to RM1.5 billion.