Sarawak attracted RM11.2 billion investment for first half of 2026

KUCHING, Oct 10: Sarawak recorded RM11.2 billion of approved investments for the first half of 2026, reflecting investors' continued confidence in the state's economic potential.

The Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the achievement shows that Sarawak continues to attract investors in its efforts to strengthen the state's economic growth.

"For the first half of 2026, Sarawak recorded RM11.2 billion of approved investments, demonstrating investors' continued confidence in our region's economic potential.

"Last month I was in Bangkok, Thailand and had a meeting with two groups of investors based in Thailand and Japan.

"These investors recognize Sarawak's strength in terms of low-carbon energy and the state's oil and gas resources and they are keen to invest up to RM1 billion to produce petrochemical products", he said.

He said this while addressing the Parade and Giant Meeting in conjunction with Sarawak State's 80th Birthday Celebration at Padang Merdeka, here today.

Brother Johari said that the global technology company from Japan, SoftBank Group, together with Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (PETROS) and Grab Holdings Limited are also interested in making Sarawak a destination for artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure and high-value technology industries.

The partnership will explore opportunities along the AI value chain, including AI computing and services, advanced technology, robotics, local and community workforce development.

According to him, the transformation of Sarawak's economy is in line with the 2030 Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) focusing on high value added sectors, including semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, green energy, hydrogen, petrochemicals, artificial intelligence and aerospace.

He said the power of natural resources and energy needs to be combined with technology, research, innovation and expertise to enable Sarawak to emerge as a new economic power in the region by 2030.

"Investments flowing into Sarawak must be connected to local companies in engineering, maintenance, logistics, technology, manufacturing and professional services to generate the local economy.

"There is no doubt that the local economy will provide more employment opportunities for our people and this means household incomes will also increase", he added. - TVS