BINTULU – The Sarawak government has reaffirmed its commitment to its comprehensive development agenda, despite acknowledging a minor reduction in state revenue linked to international oil market fluctuations. This assurance was given by the state’s Premier during a major youth event held here.
Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Openg stated that while oil tariffs imposed by the United States have had a slight impact, the state’s financial position remains robust.
He promised that a detailed outline of the government’s fiscal plans would be provided during the tabling of the Sarawak Budget 2026 next month.
Addressing the crowd at the closing ceremony of Sarawak Youth Week 2025 at Dewan Suarah Bintulu, the Premier expressed confidence in the state’s capacity to continue funding projects for its citizens.
He attributed this resilience to significant financial growth experienced in recent years.
To illustrate this strength, he revealed that state revenue reached RM14.2 billion last year. This figure marks a substantial increase from the RM6 billion recorded in 2017, when he first took office.
This enhanced financial capacity, he explained, is what allows for the execution of extensive infrastructure programmes across Sarawak.
These projects are particularly focused on advancing rural areas and include major undertakings like the Kemena Bridge and the coastal highway network.
The Premier emphasised that understanding how to fortify and grow state revenue streams is fundamental to sustaining this development momentum.
He also urged the younger generation to actively acquire expertise in modern technology and renewable energy, sectors he identified as new drivers for the state’s economic expansion.
The event was attended by a host of senior officials, including the Speaker of the Sarawak Legislative Assembly, Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar, and the Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
