PM Anwar announced new initiatives & assistance during Malaysia Day 2026 Celebrations
KUCHING, 17 September 2026: Over 5,000 people gathered at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) yesterday evening for the national-level Malaysia Day 2026 celebration, including the Governor of Sarawak, Tun Pehin Sri Dr. Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, Prime Minister, Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg and Sabah Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor.
During the Prime Minister’s mandate during last night’s celebration, several key initiatives which are aimed at easing the burden on the people and strengthening the relationship between the Federal Government and Sabah and Sarawak were announced. They include improvements to the BUDI subsidy for diesel users, one-off flight ticket assistance for new IPTA students as well as an annual interim payment for both Sabah and Sarawak.
“When it comes to MA63, a total of 9 out of 13 issues have been resolved by the MADANI government, including the recognition of the technical roles of Sabah and Sarawak’s Public Works and Irrigation and Drainage departments, permanent representation in the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN), Sabah’s authority in electricity regulation, the transfer of Bintulu Port to Sarawak as well as the transfer of MASWings to Sarawak, which has since rebranded into AirBorneo,” said Dato Seri Anwar in his mandate, adding that MA63 is a national commitment that must be translated into actions through respect for the rights and interests of Sabah and Sarawak.
Another important initiative announced yesterday evening was the RM500 one-off flight ticket assistance for students furthering their studies in public universities, polytechnic and community colleges this September. This is set to benefit over 7,000 students across the country.
Dato Seri Anwar also announced an interim payment of RM1.5 billion to Sarawak, matching the federal government’s interim payment to Sabah. The payment is part of the federal government's efforts in upholding the commitments made by the nation’s founding fathers during the formation of Malaysia.
Meanwhile, Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg expressed his appreciation to the Prime Minister upon the recent agreement set by the federal government in setting the ratio of parliamentary representation of Sabah and Sarawak to no less than 1/3 of the total as stipulated in MA63 and the IGC Report.
“In addition, I would also like to thank the Prime Minister for agreeing to determine a formula for revenue sharing between the federal government and Sarawakl, as well as place tourism under the Concurrent List under the 9th Schedule of the Federal Constitution. This step will no doubt open up space for stronger cooperation between the state and federal governments to develop the tourism sector,” he added.
