Hanoi:Sarawak The state government of Sarawak 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 is intended to strengthen the balance carried forward and ensure adequate financing for the 2027 Development Expenditure (DE), which is set at RM10.09 billion. Additionally, RM300 million will be allocated to the Sarawak Sovereign Wealth Future Fund next year to preserve some of the state's revenues for future generations.

Within 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. A further 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 amount includes RM134 million for asset procurement and RM192 million for other operating expenses.

The 2027 budget includes a RM10.09 billion allocation for DE, which represents an increase of RM826 million or nine percent from the original estimated DE for this year. Abang Johari emphasized that this is among the highest development budgets, highlighting the government's commitment to meeting the needs of the people.

Revenue for 2027 is projected to reach RM15.09 billion, marking an increase of RM2.04 billion, or 16 percent, over the 2026 estimate of RM13.04 billion. This projection marks a significant milestone, representing more than a twofold increase over a decade from the 2017 revenue of RM6.86 billion. With 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.