GPS government ‘walks the talk’ on Sarawak development

KUCHING: The Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government has proven it “walks the talk”, with Sarawak’s economic development continuing to gain momentum.

Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said Sarawak’s economic development had been among the most prominent in recent times, driven by a solid long-term policy direction under the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.

“The direction of Sarawak’s economy towards a green and sustainable economy is an appropriate policy to elevate Sarawak’s economic status to that of a developed and high-income economy.

“This is proven when Bintulu was selected as one of 43 Transitioning Industrial Clusters (TIC) worldwide, and the first in Malaysia, under the stewardship of the World Economic Forum,” he said.

He said this in his speech during the Malaysia Day 2026 celebration held at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here tonight (Sept 16).

Abang Johari said while Bintulu in northern Sarawak was emerging as a centre for industrial transformation towards clean energy, Tanjung Embang in southern Sarawak was being designed as a gateway to a wider economic network.

He said Tanjung Embang was being developed as a low-carbon hub for the country and region, supported by a new international airport and deep-sea port.

“The low-carbon hub will inject a very large amount of funds into Sarawak’s economy in the coming decade, with an estimated total investment of RM100 billion,” he said.

Abang Johari said the readiness of regional development banks, particularly the Asian Development Bank (ADB), to work with Sarawak could also be regarded as recognition of the state’s efforts to become a
green economy hub in ASEAN and Asia.

“Last week I led the Sarawak delegation to the ADB headquarters in Manila to discuss the strategic direction of Sarawak’s development as well as its potential contribution to Malaysia and ASEAN, especially in terms of the generation and distribution of electricity to ASEAN countries in an effort to strengthen electricity security in the region,” he said.

He said Sarawak had already seen the potential of cross-border energy connections through electricity supply to Kalimantan and the strengthening of its connection with Sabah, while plans were also in place to supply electricity to Brunei.

“This shows that Sarawak’s energy has an increasingly important role in the development of Borneo and ASEAN,” he said.

Abang Johari said with close cooperation and collaboration between the GPS government and the federal government, he was confident Sarawak could reach the status of a developed and high-income region by 2030.

“Therefore, with the celebration of Malaysia Day, I very much hope that it will ignite the spirit of the leadership and people of this country to continue the spirit of struggle of the previous generation and build an excellent future for the people in all regions and corners of the country.

“I am very confident that Sarawak will continue to progress within the framework of a progressive and stable Malaysia and at the same time continue to contribute to a stronger Malaysia and a more integrated ASEAN.,” he said.