KUCHING, Dec 24 2025: Premier Abang Johari Openg has explained that much of State Budget 2026 of RM12.91 billion will go to development, especially the provision of road infrastructure, water supply and electricity for the benefit of the people as well as creating an ecosystem conducive to Sarawak’s economic transformation.
Abang Johari Openg: I recently officiated the Miri–Marudi–Mulu–Long Panai–Long Lama (MMMLL) road project which will cost RM3.8 billion from Sarawak's own funds.
“We do not want to boast that our estimated revenue of RM13.1 billion and budget are big, but it reflects the GPS government’s commitment to expedite development,” he said in his Christmas Day’s message.
“Our state's income which has increased 2.4 times compared to the past eight years and is a blessing that should be shared with all Sarawakians in terms of infrastructure provision, basic amenities and human resource development,” the premier said.
Abang Johari said he recently officiated the Miri–Marudi–Mulu–Long Panai–Long Lama (MMMLL) road project which will cost RM3.8 billion from Sarawak's own funds.
He said the road with a main alignment of 142 kilometres is not just a road, but a new life and economic route that will open the door to development for communities that were previously only accessible by water or air transport.
“In addition, the recently commenced Sarawak–Sabah Link Road Phase 2 (SSLR2) project will also strengthen the road network in northern Sarawak, thus connecting the state with Sabah without having to go through Brunei,” he added.
He said the SSLR Phase 2 project is a continuation of the SSLR Phase 1 which started from Lawas to Long Luping and has now reached 57.6 percent implementation progress.
“Through the road, the people of northern Sarawak will no longer be burdened with crossing charges,passport matters or have to pass through immigration posts before reaching their destination,” he said.
He added following the success of implementing the main road project, the Sarawak government willfully take over the 6,000-kilometer logging roads throughout Sarawak to become public roads by 2030.
“All these projects will strengthen connectivity in northern Sarawak and open up new economic potential, especially in the agriculture and rural tourism sectors,” he said.
Apart from its commitment to physical and economic development, the premier said the Sarawak government also places great emphasis on the development of highly skilled and knowledgeable human capital.
“ In this regard, starting in 2026, all Sarawakians who enroll in universities owned by the state government will receive free education under the Free Higher Education Scheme (FTES).
“A total of 64 undergraduate programmes have been identified to be included in the scheme, involving 10,000 students at a cost of RM250 million.
“This scheme is open to all eligible students regardless of family income, thus proving the government's commitment in providing education as a basic necessity.
“With this, we are not only investing in the future of individuals, but also investing in the future of Sarawak by providing a highly educated, competitive and capable workforce to drive a high-income economy, “ he said.
He stressed that in line with the initiative, the Sarawak government is also committed to strengthening the level of secondary school education through the establishment of the Sarawak International Secondary School (YSISS) Foundation.
“This initiative is a major step in the state's education strategy that offers the Cambridge Curriculum and aligns the Sarawak education system with international standards,” he said.
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