Sarawak gains international interest as investment partner

THE state’s growing international attention reflects increasing recognition of the state as a credible and attractive partner for investment and development, says Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

He said Sarawak’s development model under the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030) has attracted keen interest from countries across the West and Asia, with foreign delegations, including representatives of foreign embassies, visiting to explore potential areas of strategic collaboration.

“This growing international attention reflects the confidence that Sarawak has earned through its clear development direction, economic potentials, and commitment to sustainable growth,” he said when tabling the Supply (2027) Bill, 2026 today (Oct 12).

Abang Johari said the state’s open economy, business-friendly approach and commitment to transparency remained key strengths in creating an environment where investors and strategic partners could engage with confidence and pursue mutually beneficial opportunities.

He said the growing interest presented opportunities for Sarawak to strengthen international partnerships as it moved closer to 2030, the final phase of its development strategy.

“As we enter the final years towards 2030, this is the time to translate our plans into results, our investments into opportunities, and our ambitions into meaningful improvements in the lives of our people,” he said.

He stressed that Sarawak’s future would be shaped by the decisions, investments and reforms undertaken today, with the people remaining central to the state’s development.

“The future of Sarawak is not something that will simply happen to us. We will build it. We will build it through the decisions we make today. We will build it through the investments we make today. We will build it through the reforms we undertake today. And most importantly, we will build it together with the people of Sarawak,” he said.

Abang Johari also addressed the spread of what he described as misleading information and falsehoods on social media, saying such narratives could undermine collective efforts and disrupt Sarawak’s development momentum.

He said the state would remain focused on delivering meaningful development, creating opportunities and improving the lives of its people, rather than allowing negativity to derail its progress.

“Let the people and society judge us by our policies, our actions, and above all, the results we deliver,” he said.