Sarawak ideal gateway to penetrate broader markets

KUALA LUMPUR: Sarawak, strategically located on the island of Borneo, offers excellent access to the rapidly growing Asian market, which comprises approximately 60 per cent of the world’s population.

Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said this prime geographical position makes Sarawak an ideal gateway to penetrate broader markets in Asia and beyond.

“Our land mass of 12.4 million hectares is richly endowed with natural resources, from vast forest, arable agriculture land, extensive minerals deposit to large reserves of petroleum and natural gas, which have yet to be fully tapped.

“These resources present numerous investment opportunities, which also provide a solid foundation to grow and expand the six economic sectors identified under the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.

“These sectors are manufacturing, agriculture, forestry, tourism, mining and services.

“We will ensure this natural wealth is managed responsibly through sustainable practices between economic development, societal progress and environmental stewardship,” he said.

He said this during the launch of MIDA Invest Series: Sarawak – Unfolding Its Business Potential held at Perdana Hall, MIDA Sentral here today (July 17).

The event was officiated by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and attended by the Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry (MITI), Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, and State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki.

Awang Tengah, who is also Minister of International Trade, Industry and Investment for Sarawak, described the state as a beacon of economic opportunity in the heart of Southeast Asia and highlighted its significant strides toward sustainability.

He likened Sarawak to a jewel in Malaysia’s crown, noting its abundant natural resources, biodiversity and cultural heritage.

He said stable politics and transparent governance have given investors the confidence to establish and expand their businesses in Sarawak.

“We provide a business-friendly environment. Our clear legal framework and supportive policies are designed to support investment and improve ease of doing business,” he added.

On the MIDA Invest Series programme held in collaboration with the Sarawak government, he said the key focus was on green hydrogen production and applications; sustainable port infrastructure, and development of the digital economy.

Deputy Minister of Energy and Environmental Sustainability Dr Hazland Abang Hipni highlighted Sarawak’s advancements in green hydrogen production; and Bintulu Port Holdings Berhad CEO Ruslan Abdul Ghani spoke on the critical role of sustainable port infrastructure.

Also present were Deputy Minister of International Trade, Industry, and Investment Datuk Dr Malcolm Mussen Lamoh;, MIDA chairman Sulaiman Mahbob; and MIDA CEO Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid.