By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Oct 12: Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap welcomed the Sarawak Budget 2027, describing it as going in a forward-looking direction that must deliver tangible improvements in people’s lives, including creating better-paying jobs, stronger businesses, greater opportunities, and a better quality of life for every Sarawakian.
In a statement, he lauded the State budget’s emphasis on raising Sarawakians’ earning power, developing high-value industries, supporting entrepreneurs, investing in education, and protecting vulnerable communities, which demonstrates a commitment to both economic progress and the people’s well-being.
Commenting on the RM650 million allocation to mitigate the cost of living and strengthen social safety and welfare nets, he says it reflects the importance of ensuring that Sarawak’s economic development is accompanied by practical support for people facing daily financial pressures.
“While we work towards a stronger and more diversified economy, we must also ensure that assistance reaches those who need it, including lower-income households, vulnerable groups and families requiring additional support.
“Helping people manage the cost of living is essential to safeguarding their well-being and ensuring that the benefits of development are felt across our communities,” he said.
Yap also said the budget’s focus on high-value economic activities, technology-driven and sustainable agro-industry, strategic industries, strategic gas hubs, and low-carbon gas development will position Sarawak for its next phase of economic transformation.
He said that by encouraging investment, embracing technology and developing higher-value industries, Sarawak can expand its economic base, create new employment opportunities, and strengthen its competitiveness.
On the proposed RM25 million soft loan facility for women-led enterprises and RM25 million soft loan facility for young entrepreneurs, he said the initiatives recognise local entrepreneurs as key contributors to job creation, innovation, and economic growth.
“With better access to financing, women and young business owners can strengthen their operations, embrace digitalisation, explore new markets, and prepare their enterprises for higher-value economic activities,” he said.
He also praised the RM200 million allocation for the Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) as another important investment in Sarawak’s future.
“By expanding access to tertiary education, Sarawak is strengthening its human capital and preparing the next generation to contribute to the state’s continued development,” he said.
Yap also welcomes the emphasis on results-based budgeting and stronger financial governance, which are essential to ensuring that public resources are managed responsibly and that development spending delivers meaningful outcomes.
“Sarawak Budget 2027 brings together economic development, entrepreneurship, education, social protection and responsible governance within a broader vision for the future.
“As Sarawak advances towards a more diversified, technology-driven and high-value economy, our focus must remain on ensuring that development creates meaningful opportunities while providing support for those who need it,” he said.
He also expressed confidence that, with effective implementation and continued cooperation among the government, private sector, and communities, Sarawak can keep building a stronger economy and a more prosperous future for the next generation. — DayakDaily
