Abang Johari unveils RM14.8 billion Sarawak Budget 2027

KUCHING - The Sarawak state government has unveiled a RM14.84 billion budget for 2027, with the theme ‘Together Building Prosperity and Securing Our Futures’.

The budget was tabled by Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg at the State Legislative Assembly today.

"Of the amount, RM5.74 billion is allocated for operating expenditure (OE), while RM9.09 billion is for the Development Fund Account to strengthen the balance carried forward, ensuring adequate financing for the 2027 Development Expenditure (DE), which has been budgeted at RM10.09 billion.

"We will also be allocating RM300 million for the Sarawak Sovereign Wealth Future Fund next year, ensuring that a portion of our revenues are preserved to benefit future generations,” he said.

Abang Johari said of the RM5.74 billion allocated for OE, RM1.42 billion, or 25 per cent, is earmarked for personnel emoluments, while RM2.02 billion, or 35 per cent, is for supplies and services.

"A further RM1.97 billion, or 34 per cent, is allocated for grants and fixed payments, including operating grants to statutory bodies and local authorities, public debt servicing, gratuities, pensions, scholarships and financial and welfare assistance, he said.

Of the remainder, RM134 million is allocated for asset procurement and RM192 million for other operating expenses,” he said.

Abang Johari said the 2027 Sarawak Budget’s RM10.09 billion allocation for DE represents an increase of RM826 million or nine percent from the original estimated DE this year.

"This is among the highest development budgets, reflecting our firm commitment to fulfilling and delivering the needs of our rakyat,” he said.

Meanwhile, Abang Johari said revenue for 2027 is projected to reach RM15.09 billion, an increase of RM2.04 billion, or 16 percent, over the 2026 estimate of RM13.04 billion.

"This milestone indeed marks the highest revenue ever expected to be recorded by the state. This is not merely a statistic. It represents an increase of more than twofold within 10 years, compared to the 2017 revenue of RM6.86 billion.

"With the projected revenue of RM15.09 billion and total Ordinary Expenditure of RM14.84 billion, the 2027 Sarawak Budget is expected to deliver a surplus of RM246 million,” he said. - BERNAMA