Datuk Sebastian Ting Welcomes People Focused Measures in the 2026 Sarawak Budget

suppadmin | November 24, 2025

State Assemblyman for Piasau and SUPP Secretary General Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew has expressed the party’s appreciation to the Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, for tabling the 2026 Sarawak Budget which carries the theme Empowering People, Advancing Prosperity, Building a Resilient Future.

He said the RM12.9 billion budget proposal, which includes RM5.6 billion for operating expenditure and RM7.3 billion for the Development Fund Account, reflects the GPS Government’s commitment to ensuring a smooth rollout of development projects statewide in 2026.

Ting said strengthening the Development Fund Account is crucial to support major infrastructure works, digital transformation efforts, rural utility upgrades and sustainability driven programmes. Despite global economic challenges, he noted that the Government remains committed to long term planning and structural reforms that will strengthen Sarawak’s economic foundation.

He said the projected RM13.05 billion in revenue against RM12.91 billion in expenditure shows that Sarawak is expected to record a surplus of RM144 million next year, a testament to the GPS Government’s prudent financial management and focus on people’s welfare.

Ting highlighted that the introduction of free tertiary education for Sarawakians studying in Sarawak owned universities starting in 2026 is among the most meaningful initiatives. He said the RM250 million allocation for the first year covering sixty four undergraduate programmes ensures equal educational opportunities without being limited by family financial background.

He also welcomed the enhancement of the Sumbangan Keperluan Asas Sarawak assistance scheme which will see increased aid amounts and expanded eligibility. Households earning five thousand and below will have their annual support raised from eight hundred to nine hundred fifty. Senior citizens without spouses or children earning five thousand and below will receive an increase from four hundred to five hundred. Single individuals earning two thousand five hundred and below will receive three hundred instead of two hundred fifty. Payments will be given once every four months to ensure steady assistance throughout the year.

Ting said these initiatives reflect the Premier’s commitment to safeguarding the welfare of Sarawakians of all backgrounds while strengthening support for vulnerable communities.

He said such assistance measures are timely as many households continue to face rising living costs due to global economic uncertainties.

As Deputy Minister for Tourism, Ting also welcomed the Premier’s continued focus on developing tourism as a strategic growth sector. For 2026, the State Government will channel RM129 million to improve tourism infrastructure and RM194 million to support international promotion, cultural festivals, business events and efforts to strengthen Sarawak’s global presence.

He called on all elected representatives to support the 2026 Budget to ensure the smooth implementation of people centred initiatives that will help drive Sarawak toward a stronger, prosperous and resilient future.