Sarawak plans to take over more federal entities, says Abang Jo

Abang Johari said the move was important in expanding the state’s economic dominance, thus creating more highly skilled job opportunities for Sarawakians, especially in the technology and new industry sectors.

He said Sarawak has taken over several strategic assets and entities from the federal government in the past six years, including the Bakun dam, Bintulu Port, and MASwings Sdn Bhd.

“We also established Petroleum Sarawak Bhd (Petros), we took over equity in Affin Bank (to become its largest shareholder), and we want to take over many more.

“We are expanding our economy based on PCDS. This means new job opportunities will be created,” he said at the Sarawak-level Workers’ Day celebration at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching today.

Abang Johari said Sarawak’s economic transformation is moving towards a high-tech economy that focusses on renewable energy, automation, artificial intelligence, digitalisation, and the semiconductor industry.

He said Sarawak needs more skilled and professional workforce in various fields, including aerospace, digital technology, and the semiconductor chip industry.