Premier says state government cannot entirely rely on federal allocation for development

KUCHING, Dec 17 2025: The  priority given to the needs of the people has prompted the Sarawak government to take proactive steps by using its development funds without waiting for the federal government's allocation, said Premier Abang Johari Openg.

Caption: The state government cannot entirely rely on federal government for funds 

He stressed that the people of Sarawak should not continue to wait to enjoy development, especially in terms of road infrastructure, bridges and health facilities.

He said Sarawak cannot continue to rely entirely on the federal government's allocation, but will instead drive development using its own funds for the benefit of the people.

“If we were to look at the Sarawak Cancer Centre, the Sarawak government has allocated RM1 billion in advance because our people who suffer from cancer cannot continue to wait.

“Therefore, I told Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim that I will allocate funds to build this cancer centre and the federal government will pay back later,” he said at the Sarawak 2026 Budget Conference forum session held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here today.

Explaining further, he said that the same thing happened when the Sarawak government allocated funds to upgrade dilapidated schools and health clinics that should be under the responsibility of the federal government.

He added that the state government has also spent billions of ringgit on the development of road and bridge infrastructure to open a safe communication network for its people.

“This matter is not only opening up the communication network, but also opening up economic space for the local population, thus increasing household income as outlined in the Post-COVID-19 Development Plan 2030 (PCDS 2030),” he stressed.

State govt agrees to pay RM500 million as cost of equipment for the Sarawak Cancer Centre

KUCHING, Dec 17, 2025: The state government has agreed to supply equipment worth RM500 million to the Sarawak Cancer Centre at the request of the federal government, Premier Abang Johari Openg said. 

Caption: The state government will lend RM1 billion to the federal government for the construction of the Sarawak Cancer Centre 

He said the state government has no problem with the request to pay the cost of the equipment as it  gives priority to the interest of the people, especially the cancer patients.

“This means that the cancer centre will be funded by the state and federal governments,” he was quoted by TVs as saying at a press conference today.

“The RM500 million fund was discussed recently. This is because the construction of the centre does not include its equipment.

“So the total amount of Sarawak funds spent for this centre is RM1.5 billion,” he said, explaining that the federal government will pay for the building (RM1 billion), and they are asking the state government to bear the cost of the equipment.

Speaking to the media after attending the Sarawak 2026 Budget Conference Forum Session here, the premier said the state government will pay in advance for the construction of the cancer centre, for which the federal government will reimburse the state government later.

He said an arrangements for the repayment of the RM1 billion loan for the construction of the cancer centre had been finalised.

“There is an arrangement for the repayment of the RM1 billion loan in installments from the federal government. It will be done within a certain period of time that will be set,” he said.

Abang Johari stressed that the agreement was made in the interest of the people and also as a contribution from the state government to the cancer centre.

Miri High Court rejects Judicial Review application by 11 indigenous individuals over issuance of logging licence

MIRI, Dec 17 2025: The High Court here has dismissed the application for Judicial Review filed by eleven indigenous  individuals against the director of Forests, Minister of Natural Resources and Urban Development and Sarawak government.

Caption: A group of indigenous community outside the court giving their support to the development initiatives in Baram area 

In delivering the decision yesterday, Judge Dean Wayne Daly said that the applicants had failed to prove locus standi that they were adversely affected in real and genuine interest by the issuance of the logging licence in Ulu Baram area.

The court further found that the applicants had failed to adduce evidence in support of their allegations that the issuance of the logging licence to Borneoland Timber Resources Sdn Bhd was illegal, procedurally improper or unreasonable.

Accordingly, the court’s decision confirms that the decision of the director of Forests, with the approval of the minister to issue the licence was made in accordance with the Forests Ordinance 2015, rational and in compliance with procedural requirements.

“The court ruling in favour of the Forest Department affirms that our actions were lawful and proper. Local communities, especially the Penan, are increasingly aware that external influences or NGOs have hindered development in Baram area,” said  Hamden Mohammad, the director of Forests.

Communities from Ulu Baram area, including Ba Data Bila, were also seen gathering in front of the court complex holding banners in support that also displayed photographs showing recent developments and infrastructure currently under construction in the Ulu Baram area.

This clearly demonstrates that local communities fully support development initiatives in Ulu Baram area.

The Judicial Review application filed in January 2025 have been supported by individuals and organisation including SAVE RIVERS and KERUAN as they have filed affidavit in support for this proceeding.

They have been seen to take advantage of this proceeding to pursue with their agenda and crave international attention including from Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan and Switzerland.