Sarawak premier signals budget focus on power tariffs and state revenue
Abang Johari withheld details of proposed measures and reaffirmed Sarawak’s position on its oil and gas rights.
Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg indicated on October 3 that electricity tariffs, revenue and economic priorities would feature in the state’s 2027 budget, which is due before the State Legislative Assembly at its forthcoming session.
Speaking at the Sarawakku Sayang 2026 Programme in Mukah, he declined to spell out the measures and asked the public to wait for the budget presentation. He noted tariff increases in other states but did not announce whether Sarawak would make a similar change.
Abang Johari also said the presentation would provide details about the state’s economic direction and revenue position, without disclosing whether revenue had risen or fallen.
On oil and gas, he said Sarawak would continue defending rights grounded in the Malaysia Agreement 1963. Returns from natural resources should support development and residents’ well-being, he said.
He cited roads, infrastructure and agriculture as areas requiring state funding, and described the creation of Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros) as a government measure to manage oil and gas resources.
