KUCHING: The Sarawak government is taking a significant step towards providing free education for Sarawakian students at state-owned universities by 2026, with this year serving as a preparatory phase for the initiative.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the initiative will help reduce the economic disparity between rural and urban communities.
“This year is an important pre-year for the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government in preparing to provide free education to Sarawakian students studying at universities owned by Sarawak starting in 2026,” in his Hari Raya Aidilfitri 2025 message.
“This initiative will provide opportunities for all Sarawakian children, regardless of religious background, race or social status, to pursue higher education in selected fields.
“Without such an initiative, children from underprivileged families, especially those from rural areas, would not have the opportunity to further their studies at the university level,” he said.
Abang Johari believes that students from rural areas have just as much potential to succeed as those in urban areas.
“Education is a powerful weapon to combat poverty, and I believe that with this initiative, the economic gap between rural and urban areas can be gradually reduced,” he said.
He also highlighted that Sarawak’s economy has recorded impressive growth last year, with projections estimating a five to six per cent increase.
This positive momentum, he said, is a testament to the state’s strategic planning under the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030), which focuses on economic prosperity, social inclusivity and environmental sustainability.
“I also firmly believe that our vision to make Sarawak an economic powerhouse in the country, and even in the ASEAN region, is on the right track with significant investments in infrastructure, digital economy, technological innovation, green economy, talent development and education, asset acquisition and strategic asset development.
“These investments will drive Sarawak’s economy towards achieving developed and high-income status by 2030,” he said.
He added that all initiatives to strengthen the economy are actively being implemented, including the construction of roads and bridges, which play a crucial role in boosting economic growth.
“The first completed bridge is the Marudi Bridge, which facilitates travel from Miri to Marudi and was built at a cost of RM117 million.
“The second completed bridge, costing RM600 million, is the Batang Lasa Bridge, which spans 2.43 kilometres and connects Pulau Bruit to Daro.
“This was followed by the opening of the Bintulu-Jepak Bridge and the Pasi Bridge in Sarikei, easing travel for those returning to their hometowns for Hari Raya celebrations,” he said.
Out of the 16 bridges currently under construction, he mentioned that nine are expected to be completed this year, significantly improving connectivity across the state.
“These bridges are being built simultaneously at a total cost of RM5.90 billion, fully funded by the Sarawak government.
“This reflects the GPS government’s commitment to upgrading Sarawak’s road transportation system to drive economic growth and benefit the people,” he said.
