Sarawak offers fiscal credibility and policy clarity to investors, says Premier

KUCHING (Feb 12): Sarawak offers fiscal credibility, energy reliability, policy clarity and a government prepared to make decisions under constraint for investors and businesses, said Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

The Premier said this is the basis on which Sarawak intends to compete in a more divided global economy.

“Sarawak is moving from vision to delivery. And we invite those who value execution, certainty and long-term partnership to move forward with us,” he said when launching the Asean Sarawak Business and Economic Forum 2026, themed ‘From Strategy to Scale: Competing in a Fragmented Global Economy’ held at a leading hotel here on Thursday.

Abang Johari said Sarawak continues to project a budget surplus, reflecting disciplined financial management, diversified revenue sources and strong reserves. This enables his administration to continue investing through uncertainty rather than delaying decisions.

“That discipline is translated into RM9.3 billion in development expenditure. The focus is not broad expansion, but targeted investment in infrastructure, industrial capacity, energy systems and digital readiness.

“These allocations are aligned with the forum’s emphasis on delivery under constraint, not growth driven by optimistic assumptions,” he said.

He said the state government had strengthened coordination through InvestSarawak, finalising a Sarawak Investment Policy to provide clearer rules, faster approvals and more predictable processes.

This directly addresses the execution risks and credibility gaps identified in the Asean Sarawak Business and Economic Forum 2026 programme, he added.

“Sarawak is also balancing its climate policy and economic competitiveness. For example, as Sarawak prepares its implementation framework to introduce a carbon levy mechanism, thorough considerations have been made on socio-economic impacts and industry competitiveness to support businesses in their transition,” he said.

Abang Johari said Sarawak will increase investor confidence and attract greater private sector participation by strengthening governance and improving regulatory processes.

Through InvestSarawak and the forthcoming Sarawak Investment Policy, he said approval pathways are being standardised, agency roles clarified and timelines shortened.

By 2030, he said investors should face fewer hand offs, clearer requirements and greater certainty from entry to operation.

“Sarawak will also engage in climate action, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) integration, and advancing the circular economy through climate policy, carbon trading and sustainability-focused investment. Throughout our strategies, Sarawak will maintain fiscal credibility while investing for growth.

“Development spending will remain disciplined. Project selection will stay selective. Balance sheet strength will be protected. Growth will be pursued in a way that sustains confidence across economic cycles,” he added.