Premier: Year of the Horse to see Sarawak make big strides guided by clear policies, strong cooperation

KUCHING (Feb 15): The Year of the Horse will herald further success for Sarawak’s strategic push into high technology, green energy and regional collaboration, said Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

The Premier said Sarawak’s economic resilience amid global geopolitical uncertainties, disruptive technologies, and the low-carbon transition was the result of clear policies by the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government and strong cooperation among Sarawakians.

“As presented in the 2026 State Budget at the State Legislative Assembly, Sarawak’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is estimated to reach RM154 billion for the year 2025, with growth between 5 and 6 per cent.

“This marks a significant improvement compared to 2024. According to the Department of Statistics Malaysia, Sarawak’s economy grew by 3.9 per cent in 2024, with GDP recorded at RM148.2 billion,” he said in his Lunar New Year message.

While oil and gas, resource-based manufacturing, and commodity agriculture such as palm oil and pepper remain key drivers, he noted encouraging growth in high-technology manufacturing and green industries.

Abang Johari also touched on major initiatives in 2026, among them the expansion of state-owned airline AirBorneo to regional destinations, and the operation of Bintulu Port as Sarawak’s main port after its return from the federal government.

“In addition, the implementation of the Free Tertiary Education Scheme, beginning this year, marks a milestone in human capital development, providing opportunities for all Anak Sarawak to equip themselves as valuable assets to the state.

“Furthermore, in the final quarter of 2026, subject to circumstances, Kuching city will be served by the region’s first hydrogen-powered Autonomous Rapid Transit system,” he said, adding this initiative reflects Sarawak’s aspiration to lead the low-carbon economy and technology in Asean.

On energy connectivity, Abang Johari said Sarawak has successfully connected its power grid to Sabah to supply 50 megawatts of electricity, marking the second cross-border grid link after supplying up to 200MW of green energy to West Kalimantan since 2016.

He noted that a future connection to Brunei would complete a Borneo Grid powered by Sarawak’s renewable energy.

The Premier also revealed growing interest from Indonesia to collaborate with Sarawak in the semiconductor sector following discussions at the Indonesia Economic Summit 2026.

“The year 2026 also holds potential for closer collaboration between Indonesia and Malaysia, particularly Sarawak, in cross-border green energy generation and transmission, as well as high technology development.

“Through X-FAB, Sarawak has been producing analogue chips at the Samajaya Free Industrial Zone since 1998, and the production centre is currently undergoing expansion costing RM3 billion to increase output,” he said.

He stressed that Sarawak must become a creator and not merely a user of technology if the state is to break out of the cocoon of being a low-based technology region.

“The path to technological creation is not easy as it requires skilled manpower and high-cost research and development.

“At the same time, Sarawak needs to collaborate extensively with experts both locally and internationally to achieve this aspiration,” he said.

He pointed out that through the Sarawak-owned SMD Semiconductor, the state has successfully developed Gallium Nitride (GaN) compound chips powered by AI, which demonstrated the state’s determination to become chip designers rather than assemblers.

Abang Johari also said that Sarawak has expressed its intention to develop its own micro-satellite for weather monitoring purposes.

“This initiative aims to spur innovation and open opportunities for young Sarawakians to master aerospace technology, a field increasingly important for the future economy.”

Reflecting on the state’s fiscal strength, he said revenue has more than doubled over the past decade, reaching a record RM14.187 billion in 2024,

“With increased revenue, we can fund many development programmes like the provisions of massive infrastructure across the state, and free education to expedite Sarawak’s development.

“However, the availability of funds alone does not guarantee our success in all these programmes without unity, the integrity and the resilience of all Sarawakians at all levels,” he said.

“Therefore, let us all during this festive occasion also renew our commitment to build Sarawak that is socially stable, and advanced in economy and technology.”

On a personal note, the Premier apologised for not being able to make any Chinese New Year visits this year following the recent passing of his wife Puan Sri Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tuanku Bujang.

“I wish all our Chinese friends a happy Lunar New Year, and may the Year of the Horse bring success, happiness, and prosperity to all of us.”