Sarawak GDP to reach RM154 bln by 2025, Premier outlines 13MP targets

KUCHING (Dec 3): Sarawak’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is projected to grow from RM132 billion in 2021 to RM154 billion in 2025, representing a cumulative increase of about RM22 billion over five years, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

He described the growth as the “harvest period” of the state’s earlier investments and a strong foundation for achieving long-term economic targets under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP).

“Our rivers and forests, our minerals and energy reserves, our seas and mangroves – all these are gifts placed in our trust.

“But resources alone do not build a future. It is how we use our resources — with wisdom and foresight — that will determine whether Sarawak’s wealth today becomes enduring wealth for the generations of tomorrow,” he said in his ministerial winding-up speech at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly today.

Abang Johari noted that the 13MP, launched in October and covering 2026 to 2030, marks the final phase of the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.

Building on gains from the 12MP, the new plan aims to accelerate development and strengthen Sarawak’s economic resilience.

He said the state is targeting a doubling of its economy to RM282 billion by 2030, alongside raising median monthly household income to RM15,000.

Achieving this will require roughly RM100 billion in additional GDP, supported by a strong pipeline of investments in energy, manufacturing, digitalisation, commercial agriculture, and major infrastructure projects, he added.

“With this clear progression in GDP and the scale of investments coming onstream over the next five years, we can say with confidence that Sarawak is on a realistic path to achieving its GDP target,” he said.

Abang Johari emphasised that sustainability remains a central pillar, reaffirming Sarawak’s commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

Highlighting 15 key socio-economic sectors under the 13MP, he cited major priorities including energy transition, manufacturing growth, technology-driven agriculture, tourism development, natural asset management, sustainable mining, infrastructure modernisation, and logistics upgrades.

He said Sarawak aims to expand its renewable energy capacity to 10GW by 2030 and 15GW by 2035.

Planned logistics improvements include enhanced capacities at Bintulu and Samalaju Ports, the proposed Tanjung Embang Deep Sea Port, and the Kuching New International Airport.

“The feasibility studies for both the proposed port and airport are progressing well,” he said.

Other initiatives include digital transformation under the Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint 2030, biotechnology innovation and commercialisation, tuition-free education for Sarawakians at state-owned universities starting 2026, and the construction of 20,000 affordable homes.

Abang Johari said the 13MP will be executed through three approaches — Review, Fix, and Act Anew — to ensure stronger implementation and more effective outcomes.

“The focus for 13MP is evident: better execution, better outcomes, and better lives for all Sarawakians,” he said.