KUCHING: Sarawak's RM15.8 billion expansionary budget for 2025 aims to stimulate economic growth through increased government spending.

Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department (Law, MA63 and State-Federal Relations), Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali said the budget will be crucial in covering the gaps and complement the Malaysia Madani Budget 2025 which allocated RM5.9 billion to Sarawak.

"The RM15.8 billion allocated in the Sarawak Budget 2025 helps cover the gaps, boosting government spending to stimulate Sarawak's economic growth.

"I think everyone knows our schools need improvement as we have so many dilapidated schools. We also need to enhance rural clinics, road connectivity, internet, electricity, and water supply. There is so much to be done," she said.

She said this in a forum session entitled 'Sarawak's Path Forward: Examining The 2025 Malaysia Budget’ during the 2025 Sarawak Budget Conference held at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) on Wednesday.

Datuk Sharifah Hasidah praised Sarawak's leadership for its vision and direction in ensuring the region’s commitment to infrastructure development and public welfare.

" The Sarawak budget enables us to boost every aspect of our initiatives. With good leadership and direction, our government will continue to ensure the wellbeing of the people and the development of infrastructure for Sarawak,” she added.

Additionally, she also assured that after the budget announcement, the Sarawak Government, particularly the Economic Planning Unit (EPU), has detailed the initiatives introduced by the Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg.

"We are working to smooth out the implementation of all these initiatives. Many agencies are collaborating to refine standard operating procedures and processes, ensuring they are ready to go to the ground as per the directive of the Sarawak Premier," she said. -UKASnews