Anwar dijangka umum bayaran interim Sarawak pada Hari Malaysia

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is expected to announce interim payment to Sarawak on September 16, coinciding with Malaysia Day. Anwar stated that further discussions with Sarawak Chief Minister Abang Johari Openg in the coming days will help clarify the interim payment, taking into account the national financial situation and a more suitable approach for Sarawak.

"Therefore, I will continue to discuss with the Sarawak Chief Minister in the coming days. Hopefully, by September 16, Malaysia Day in Kuching, I can announce the interim payment for Sarawak," he said after presiding over the Malaysia Agreement 1963 Implementation Task Force Meeting 2026 in Kota Kinabalu, attended by Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor.

Anwar further stated that Sarawak also raised the issue of a clearer formula taking into account national financial standing, current capabilities, and minimum and maximum interest rates that can be considered. "I agree and have asked the Finance and Sarawak Finance Ministries to discuss introducing a formula," he said. Regarding interim payments for Sabah, Anwar said the government has agreed to raise the interim payment to RM1.5 billion for the state starting this year while ongoing discussions continue.

He said the amount is expected to be disbursed by late October or early November after the parliamentary session in October. In May last year, the prime minister reportedly said the special interim grant for Sabah would be increased to RM1.5 billion from RM600 million while waiting for the 40% share of state revenue to be finalized as stipulated in MA63.