By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Oct 11: The RM6 billion allocation for Sarawak under Budget 2026 will further strengthen the relationship between the federal and Sarawak governments while enhancing the nation’s overall economic growth, says Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Speaking spontaneously during the parade and grand assembly held in conjunction with the 79th Birthday Celebration of the Head of State (TYT) Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar at Padang Merdeka here today, Abang Johari expressed appreciation to the Madani government for the financial provision.
“I would also like to express my appreciation to the federal government for allocating RM6 billion in the Budget. This will certainly further strengthen the ties between the federal Madani government and Sarawak.
“More importantly, it will reinforce the direction of the country’s economic development, particularly from Sarawak’s contribution,” he said.
Abang Johari’s statement came a day after the federal government tabled Budget 2026, which includes a record RM6 billion allocation for development projects in Sarawak—the highest ever to date.
In the same speech, Abang Johari also emphasised that the Sarawak government has been investing heavily in large-scale infrastructure projects to enhance connectivity, spur rural development and attract investments.
Among key projects, he highlighted the Second Trunk Road (STR) spanning 225 kilometres between Samarahan and Roban, expected to be completed by 2028 at a cost of RM5.58 billion; Coastal Highway stretching 896 kilometres from Kota Samarahan to Miri, due for completion in 2027 with a total cost of RM5.42 billion; and Sarawak–Sabah Link Road Phase 2 (SSLR2) covering 335 kilometres between Miri and Lawas, which will cost RM7.6 billion and is expected to be completed by mid-2029.
He said these projects, together with the ongoing upgrading of logging roads in Kapit and Ulu Baram, will open new corridors of economic activity and strengthen connectivity between the northern and southern regions of the State.
The Premier also reaffirmed the State government’s commitment to strengthening autonomy in key sectors such as education and healthcare, while expanding Sarawak’s role in energy, digital economy and industrial transformation.
He said Sarawak’s ongoing initiatives including the Sarawak Gas Roadmap (SGR), development of methanol and green ammonia plants in Bintulu and ventures into semiconductor and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, reflect the State’s shift towards a high-value, sustainable industrial economy. — DayakDaily
