Sarawak has channelled RM21.8 billion through its Alternative Funding (AF) initiative to accelerate key infrastructure projects across the state, said Second Minister for Finance and New Economy Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas on Wednesday.
He explained that the AF model was introduced to ensure important development projects can move forward without delays, allowing the state to fast-track critical infrastructure while maintaining strong financial stability.
“So far, a total of 1,586 projects have been implemented under AF. Of these, 1,127 projects — or 71% — have been completed, while the remaining 459 are progressing at various stages,” he said during his winding-up speech for the State Budget 2026 debate at the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly.
Uggah, who is also the deputy premier, said the AF mechanism has played a major role in transforming Sarawak’s physical and economic landscape as the state works towards high-income status under the Post-Covid Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
Major AF-funded developments include the coastal road network, the second trunk road, the Sarawak Water Supply Grid (stressed areas), rural electrification programmes, and digital infrastructure projects such as the Sarawak Multimedia Authority Rural Telecommunication (SMART) towers and the Sarawak Rural Broadband Network.
He added that AF also supports the development of educational facilities, such as Sarawak’s international schools, as well as projects undertaken by regional development agencies including the Upper Rajang Development Agency (URDA), Highland Development Agency (HDA), Northern Regional Development Agency (NRDA), and the Integrated Regional Samarahan Development Agency (IRSDA).
