By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Dec 3: Sarawak has reaffirmed its position as a vital contributor to Malaysia’s resilience, buoyed by RM5.9 billion in Federal allocations for development in the region under the Malaysia Madani Budget 2025.
Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg highlighted that the funds would catalyse transformative projects in infrastructure, energy, and education, in advancing Sarawak’s development priorities with national objectives.
He noted that Malaysia Madani Budget 2025 is geared towards enhancing national resilience through fiscal discipline, social equity, and environmental sustainability, which includes comprehensive support for regional states, including Sarawak, to bolster infrastructure, technology adoption, and green growth.
“This support is crucial in empowering us to align Sarawak’s budget priorities with national policies while addressing our distinct regional needs,” he said when addressing the inaugural 2025 Sarawak Budget Conference, themed “Together Building A Prosperous Future” at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) today.
Abang Johari underscored Sarawak’s strengthened financial capacity through initiatives such as the Alternative Funding Initiative and leveraging institutions like the Development Bank of Sarawak (DBOS) to accelerate infrastructure development while maintaining fiscal discipline.
“These innovative approaches enable us to deliver transformative projects without compromising the financial stability of Sarawak,” he said.
He also expressed optimism about Malaysia’s recent inclusion in the BRICS economic bloc, which he said opens up new avenues for Sarawak’s government-linked companies (GLCs), small-medium enterprises (SMEs), and other businesses.
“This membership provides access to emerging markets and investment opportunities, further positioning Sarawak as a key driver of Malaysia’s economic growth,” he added.
Despite global challenges, Abang Johari pointed out that Sarawak’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth is projected to exceed 5 per cent in 2025, driven by strategic investments in infrastructure and green technology.
“For the year 2025, Sarawak Budget has been meticulously crafted with an unprecedented allocation of RM15.8 billion to ensure sustainable economic growth while prioritising key sectors that drive Sarawak’s prosperity.
“As we set ambitious goals for the 2025 Sarawak Budget, our journey towards sustainable growth cannot be achieved by the government alone. We must harness the collective strength of partnerships between the public sector, private enterprises, and civil society,” he said.
These collaborations, he stressed, are essential to driving innovation, investments, and inclusive development across Sarawak.
As Sarawak embarked on a journey toward a prosperous and sustainable future, Abang Johari reminded that the success of Sarawak is not determined by the efforts of one, but by the collective commitment of all, including the government, private enterprises, academia, civil society, and the citizens.
The conference, organised by Sarawak Centre of Performance Excellence (Scope), Leadership Institute of Sarawak Civil Service, and SALIHIN International, marked the first-ever public analysis of Sarawak’s budget and regional budgets in Malaysia.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi and SALIHIN founder and group managing partner Dr Salihin Abang were present. — DayakDaily
