RM13.6 million to boost skills into livelihoods

SARAWAK, 12 OCTOBER 2026 —

Sarawak’s RM13.6 million 2027 skills-to-livelihoods push targets B40, rural communities as premier unveils industry-aligned training expansion

Sarawak’s state government will allocate RM13.6 million in 2027 to transform skills training into direct employment, income generation, and business opportunities for youths and rural communities, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg announced today during the tabling of the Supply (2027) Bill, 2026 in the state legislature.

The funding marks a continuation of targeted upskilling initiatives designed to align training programs with industry demands, with a focus on improving household incomes—particularly among vulnerable groups.

The allocation underscores a strategic shift toward economic self-sufficiency for marginalized segments, including the B40 group, persons with disabilities, single mothers, and widows, by integrating training with capital assistance and market access. Abang Johari emphasized that the initiative would not only address unemployment but also foster enterprise development, ensuring that every investment in skills translates into sustainable livelihoods.

"Our objective is to ensure that every investment in skills creates a tangible pathway to employment, income generation, and enterprise development," he stated, highlighting the government’s commitment to reducing economic disparities through structured vocational and entrepreneurial programs.

The RM13.6 million will be distributed across six key programs, each tailored to specific demographic and regional needs. The largest single allocation, RM2.5 million, will fund Usahawan Mikro Kebajikan, a micro-entrepreneurship initiative benefiting 835 micro-entrepreneurs from the B40 group, including persons with disabilities, single mothers, and widows. This program provides direct support to small-scale business owners, ensuring they can scale operations and achieve financial stability.

Additionally, RM560,000 has been earmarked for Women Vocational Skills Training and Sarawak Women at Work, while RM320,000 will support Bantuan Ketua Isi Rumah Wanita Sarawak, assisting female household heads in pursuing sustainable economic activities. These targeted funds reflect a gender-sensitive approach to economic empowerment, addressing barriers faced by women in accessing training and capital.

For low-income families, the government will allocate RM400,000 to the Low-Income Family Empowerment Programme, which aims to support 120 families in launching or expanding small business ventures. This initiative aligns with broader efforts to reduce poverty by providing both financial and technical assistance to households struggling to meet basic needs. Meanwhile, RM800,000 will be directed toward Randau Pembangunan Sosial, a program focused on strengthening participation in economic activities among rural and remote communities.

Within this, RM600,000 each will be allocated to Geran Intervensi Sosial Sarawak and the Integrated Sarawak Social Intervention Programme, both of which provide critical support to vulnerable populations through social grants and skill development.

The remaining funds will support five flagship programs designed to bridge the gap between education and employment: Program Latihan Pembangunan Keusahawanan (Entrepreneurship Development Training Program), Graduan Ke Arah Keusahawanan (Graduate Entrepreneurship Program), Go Digital, Satu Daerah Satu Industri (One District, One Industry), and the Sarawak Global Export Programme. These initiatives are structured to address skills shortages in high-demand sectors, including digital literacy, manufacturing, and export-oriented industries.

The Satu Daerah Satu Industri program, in particular, aims to decentralize economic growth by fostering industry clusters in rural districts, reducing urban-rural income disparities. The Sarawak Global Export Programme will further enhance competitiveness by providing training and resources to businesses seeking to enter international markets, thereby diversifying revenue streams beyond domestic consumption.

The announcement comes as Sarawak continues to grapple with regional economic disparities, where rural and semi-urban areas lag behind urban centers in terms of employment opportunities and income levels. By prioritizing industry-aligned training, the state government aims to create a pipeline of skilled workers who can fill critical roles in sectors such as palm oil, timber, tourism, and digital services—all of which are key drivers of Sarawak’s economy.

The focus on micro-entrepreneurship and women-led businesses also aligns with national priorities, including the Bumiputera Economic Empowerment Council’s (MARA) and Women’s Affairs Ministry’s efforts to boost inclusive economic growth. Analysts note that such targeted interventions could mitigate long-term unemployment risks, particularly among youth, who currently face challenges in transitioning from education to stable employment.

For Malaysian markets, the initiative signals a state-level commitment to human capital development, which could indirectly support broader economic resilience in East Malaysia. While the RM13.6 million represents a modest portion of Sarawak’s overall budget, its strategic focus on vulnerable groups and industry integration may yield measurable impacts in reducing poverty and improving productivity.

The premier’s emphasis on sustainable employment rather than short-term welfare suggests a long-term vision for economic transformation, one that could serve as a model for other states grappling with similar challenges. The next phase will involve the implementation of these programs by relevant agencies, with progress expected to be monitored through key performance indicators tied to employment rates, business survival rates, and income growth among beneficiaries.

Related: Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg · Sarawak