Budget 2025: Increase In Special Grant Reflects Federal Govt’s Commitment - Abang Jo

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 19 (Bernama) -- The increase in the special grant for Sarawak from RM300 million to RM600 million, as announced in Budget 2025, reflects the federal government’s commitment to supporting the development of key sectors in the state.

Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, when met during the Lan Berambeh event here today, also expressed gratitude for the development funds allocated to the state.

“Although the amount is less than that of Sabah, that’s alright. At least we have assistance from the federal government to support our state’s development,” he said.

In the Budget 2025 tabled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday, development allocations for Sabah and Sarawak continued to be prioritised, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion, respectively, making them among the highest in the country.

Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said the government plans to double the special grants for Sarawak and Sabah to RM600 million next year, noting that the grant for Sarawak has not been reviewed since 1969.

During the three-day event held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), Abang Johari presented scholarships from the Yayasan Sarawak Tun Taib Scholarship and Yayasan Sarawak Tunku Abdul Rahman Scholarship for the 2024/2025 session.

Also present were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof and Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.

Earlier in a town hall session, Abang Johari announced that approximately 25,000 Sarawak students enrolled in higher education institutions nationwide would receive pocket money from the state government.

He said those with valid Sarawak identification cards marked with ‘K’ are eligible for this assistance.

“The amount will be disclosed in the Sarawak Budget 2025, which will be tabled next month. Alhamdulillah, the state’s revenue continues to increase each year and we are working hard to generate funds to give back to Sarawakians,” he said, adding that the pocket money aims at easing the students’ financial burden.

-- BERNAMA