MIRI: Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg tabled the Sarawak State Budget 2025 on Monday, announcing an allocation of RM15.8 billion.
This figure marks a significant increase of RM2.2 billion, or 16 percent, from the 2024 budget of RM13.6 billion.
The budget focuses on accelerating development across the state, especially in underserved rural areas, while also promoting economic empowerment and infrastructure growth.
Local community leaders voiced support for the new budget and highlighted the urgent needs it addresses for the region’s rural population.
Penghulu Randi Elon, a leader within the Iban community, stressed that the new budget offers hope for rural development. “To empower the rural population, the state government needs to implement long-awaited infrastructure projects,” he said. The focus, he added, should be on improving health and education access, expanding clean water and electricity to villages, enhancing road networks, and supporting economic initiatives such as modern agriculture and technical skills programs.
Penghulu Randi also emphasized the importance of increasing the allowances for community leaders. “Our task may not be popular, but it’s crucial for assisting rural residents who need document verification for essential services,” he stated. “With proper implementation, this budget can genuinely improve the quality of life and create long-term opportunities for rural residents.”
Youth Chief of the Hakka Miri Association, Andy Jong Wan Joon, called for a more robust national budget for Sarawak, which he believes should focus on alleviating poverty in rural areas.
“In the current economic climate, many in rural Sarawak struggle due to insufficient infrastructure, limited education resources, and inadequate healthcare facilities,” Jong said. He proposed increasing financial aid, food support, and housing assistance for low-income families.
Jong underscored the need for extensive infrastructure development in Sarawak, advocating for better roads, reliable water and electricity supply, and improved internet access. “By building critical infrastructure, we can enhance living conditions and stimulate local economic development,” he added.
Leaders from Sarawak’s entrepreneurial community also welcomed the budget’s focus on economic support for small and medium-sized enterprises. The Chairman of the Wireless Walk Miri Traders Association, Mohamad Abdullah Jamin, expressed optimism about the budget’s allocations for local entrepreneurs.
“This assistance is essential for us small and medium-sized business owners, especially in tourism and community-based sectors,” Mohamad noted. He urged for transparent fund distribution to ensure aid reaches those in need.
Similarly, Mohammad Hafidz Rohani, Chairman of the Sarawak Bumiputera Entrepreneurs Chamber (DUBS) Miri branch, praised the budget’s emphasis on small business growth.
“The RM15.8 billion budget is a powerful commitment to the future of local entrepreneurs, ensuring access to capital, digital transformation, and targeted support for sustainable growth,” he said.
Hafidz believes this vision will help Sarawak empower its communities and strengthen its economic base.
The Sarawak State Budget 2025 has thus been met with optimism across various community sectors, from rural advocates to business leaders, as it aims to address longstanding development gaps while promoting inclusivity, prosperity, and resilience.
