Hanoi:Sarawak The Sarawak state government has announced a RM14.84 billion budget for 2027, themed 'Together Building Prosperity and Securing Our Futures.' The budget was presented by Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg at the State Legislative Assembly.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the budget allocates RM5.74 billion for operating expenditure (OE) and RM9.09 billion for the Development Fund Account. This allocation aims to ensure adequate financing for the 2027 Development Expenditure (DE), budgeted at RM10.09 billion. Additionally, RM300 million will be set aside for the Sarawak Sovereign Wealth Future Fund to preserve part of the revenues for future generations.

Of the RM5.74 billion for OE, RM1.42 billion, or 25 percent, is designated for personnel emoluments, while RM2.02 billion, or 35 percent, is for supplies and services. Another RM1.97 billion, or 34 percent, 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. The remaining funds include RM134 million for asset procurement and RM192 million for other operating expenses.

The RM10.09 billion allocation for DE marks a nine percent increase from the original estimate this year, reflecting the government's commitment to meeting the needs of its citizens. Revenue for 2027 is projected to reach RM15.09 billion, a 16 percent increase over the 2026 estimate and the highest revenue ever expected for the state. This figure represents a more than twofold increase over a decade from 2017's RM6.86 billion revenue.

With a projected revenue of RM15.09 billion and a total Ordinary Expenditure of RM14.84 billion, the 2027 Sarawak Budget is expected to result in a surplus of RM246 million.