By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Oct 12: Sarawak’s proposed 2027 Budget is projected to record a RM246 million surplus, compared with the federal government’s projected RM87 billion deficit, says Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.
He said Sarawak could have recorded a surplus of more than RM500 million had it not set aside RM300 million for the Sarawak Sovereign Wealth Future Fund (SSWFF), which is intended to preserve savings for future generations.
“We don’t have to save, we can spend,” he said during a media interview after the tabling of the proposed Sarawak Budget 2027 at the State Legislative Assembly (DUS) today.
Dr Sim said Sarawak’s annual revenue had grown to more than RM15 billion from about RM6.8 billion a decade ago, supported by sources including State Sales Tax (SST) and dividends from State-owned enterprises.
He also highlighted the State’s development-focused spending, with about 64 per cent of its budget allocated for development, compared with 18 per cent under the federal government’s Budget 2027.
“What is most important is that in the next year’s budget, you find that Sarawak, compared to Malaysia’s budget, we are development-centric,” he said.
Dr Sim contrasted Sarawak’s projected RM246 million surplus with the federal government’s projected RM87 billion deficit, equivalent to 3.3 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
According to the proposed Sarawak Budget 2027, the State is projecting record revenue of RM15.091 billion against ordinary expenditure of RM14.845 billion, with RM10.098 billion allocated for development purposes.
Beyond development spending, he said the proposed budget continued to support the people through free tertiary education, student assistance, tuition support, free school buses and laptops.
He also highlighted the continuation of Sarawak Basic Needs Assistance (SKAS), which benefits almost 900,000 people, Senior Citizen Health Benefits and a 25 per cent electricity bill discount.
“This is cost of living. Basically, there is a component for everyone,” he said.
Describing the proposed budget as a continuation of Sarawak’s development and welfare policies, Dr Sim said it was not designed around the election cycle.
“This is not an election budget,” he said. — DayakDaily
