Much of next year's State Budget of RM12.91 billion is for development, especially for road construction, water and electricity supplies, says Abang Johari

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.

 

Tall order, but it is not impossible for Sarawak to be a Star economy of Asean, says premier

KUCHING, Dec 24 2025: Premier Abang Johari Openg believes that it is not impossible for Sarawak to achieve its vision of becoming a “Star” economy in Asean, though it is a tall order to realise. 

Abang Johari Openg: In the realm of natural gas, Sarawak is endowed with vast gas resources which would be used as feedstock for the petrochemical industry 

In his Christmas Day’s message, he said Sarawak has the strength and the resources to be the Star economy of Asean.

“Taking advantage of our vast river systems and hydropower capacity Sarawak is poised to become a leader in clean energy production, including pioneering green hydrogen and solar power production and export,” he said.

He added that Sarawak has been identified as a contributor to the proposed Asean Power Grid and a source of renewable energy generation and this will lend support to state’s aim of becoming a “battery” for the region.

“In the realm of natural gas, Sarawak is endowed with vast gas resources which would be used as feedstock for the petrochemical industry, including the building of necessary infrastructure such as gas pipelines and terminals.

“With billions in potential investment, this is expected to further invigorate the Sarawak

economy,” he said, adding that Sarawak is also fortunate that both its onshore and offshore geological structure present significant potential for carbon storage to support the Carbon

Capture Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) initiative.

“This initiative is expected to create a new revenue stream for Sarawak’s economy.

“The semiconductor industry promises to be another lucrative sector for Sarawak. Steps have been taken that will position Sarawak as a major player in the semiconductor ecosystem, focusing on compound chip design, research, and innovation,” the premier said.

Abang Johari, family extend their Merry Christmas greetings to all Christians

KUCHING, Dec 24 2025: Premier Abang Johari Openg and his family extend their Merry Christmas greetings to all Christians throughout Sarawak, wishing that may this celebration bring peace and blessings to all of Sarawakians, especially the Christian community in the state.

“On this glorious day, I sincerely hope that all Sarawakians are in good health and well-being, and surrounded by their beloved family members and friends.

“This is a time for us to share warmth and appreciate the meaning of family, and together be grateful for all the blessings that have been bestowed upon us by God Almighty.
“It has become our practice and pride in this state to live in harmony and respect each other, despite our different religious, racial and cultural backgrounds.

“The spirit of "Segulai Sejalai" that we uphold is not just an expression, but a way of life that unites us as one big Sarawakian family.

“Therefore, let this Christmas Day, like other celebrations, be our platform to continue to build a strong, harmonious and stable Sarawak,” he said.

Newly upgraded toilet for the elderly at Petanak Market completed

KUCHING, Dec 23 2025: Kuching South City Council (MBKS) has completed the upgrading of an persons with disabilities (OKU)-friendly toilet facility at Petanak Market as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance accessibility, safety and dignity within public spaces.

 

Caption: MBKS Mayor Wee Hong Seng giving the thumbs up to the upgrading toilet, costing RM80,000, at Petanak Market. 

 

Converted from an existing storage area, the facility was officially handed over this afternoon and witnessed by MBKS Mayor Wee Hong Seng, who said the improvement reflects MBKS’ commitment to inclusive urban development.

He explained that while public toilets are available on the upper level of the market, repeated requests had been received from elderly users and traders due to difficulties accessing the facilities in time, particularly during peak hours.

“This OKU-friendly toilet is designed not only for persons with disabilities, but also to serve senior citizens and the general public,” he said, adding that the larger space allows wheelchair users to move comfortably and safely within the facility.

He said the upgrading was initiated following feedback raised by hawkers and market representatives earlier this year, with site suitability assessed before construction works commenced.

Built in 1988, Petanak Market has served the community for over three decades and remains an important social and economic gathering point, particularly for elderly residents who frequent the market in the early mornings.

Wee noted that MBKS has been implementing gradual improvement works at the market, including repainting completed last year, as well as recent upgrades to lighting and ventilation systems.

“These improvements may not happen all at once, but as a city council, we will continue to upgrade public areas based on available funding to ensure markets remain functional, comfortable and relevant,” he said.

He added that MBKS views traditional markets as vital community spaces that preserve social interaction, cultural identity and local produce diversity, while efforts are also underway to attract younger generations through better facilities and future community-based activities.

The upgrading project was implemented under the BP1 allocation from the Ministry of Housing and Local Government, with a total cost of RM80,880 and took approximately four months to complete, including rectification works to ensure compliance with specifications prior to handover.

Wee said all MBKS projects undergo transparent tendering, evaluation and inspection processes, with payments only made after works meet required standards, in line with the council’s emphasis on accountability and quality delivery.