S’wak’s green transition to generate RM550 bln GDP, attract RM700 bln investments

Awang Tengah (seated, centre) and other guests with the participants of MCC 2.0 2026 held in a hotel in Kuching on July 13, 2026. Source: Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas)

By Doreen Ling

KUCHING, July 13: Sarawak’s green economy transition is expected to contribute up to RM550 billion to the State’s gross domestic product (GDP), attract investments of up to RM700 billion, and create approximately 80,000 employment opportunities.

According to Deputy Premier and Second Minister for Natural Resources and Urban Development Sarawak Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, this is due to initiatives such as the Sarawak Hydrogen Economy Roadmap and the Sarawak Sustainability Blueprint 2030, which provide long-term certainty for investors while positioning Sarawak as a regional leader in clean energy, green industrialisation, and sustainable development.

He added that through the Sarawak Energy Transition Policy, or SET-P, the government has established clear pathways towards net-zero emissions, energy diversification, green investment and long-term energy security.

Awang Tengah elaborated that SET-P is anchored on seven strategic pillars covering renewable energy, natural gas, hydrogen, carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS), alternative energy technologies, and low-carbon mobility, including the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) system. It also incorporates market-based mechanisms such as Renewable Energy Certificates to accelerate clean energy adoption.

“Sarawak has also completed the Sarawak Net Zero Strategy and Carbon Plan. This framework identifies green investment opportunities exceeding RM357 billion, with the potential to contribute approximately RM27.6 billion to the economy and create about 223,000 jobs by 2050.

“It reinforces the government’s position that climate action can drive investment, innovation, and quality employment,” he said at the Malaysian Conservation Conference (MCC) 2.0 2026 held at a hotel here today, where he represented Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, and a copy of his text speech was later made available to the media.

Additionally, he said this also reinforces the government’s position that climate action can catalyse investment, innovation, and quality employment, while strengthening international confidence in Sarawak’s climate governance.

Meanwhile, he stressed that conservation and economic growth should not be viewed as competing priorities, but as complementary goals supported by responsible policies, sound governance, and long-term planning.

“For the Sarawak Government, conservation is not merely a cost but an investment in natural capital that supports water security, food production, renewable energy, climate resilience, sustainable tourism, scientific research and new economic opportunities.

“Our responsibility is to ensure these assets continue generating long-term value while maintaining their ecological integrity,” he said. — DayakDaily