Sarawak’s upcoming investment policy to simplify approvals, boost investor confidence

Abang Johari (seated fifth left) and others pose for a group photo during the ASEAN Sarawak Business & Economic Forum 2026 on Feb 12, 2026. Photo credit: Sarawak Information Department (Japen)

By Shikin Louis

KUCHING, Feb 12: The Sarawak government will introduce the Sarawak Investment Policy (SIP) to streamline approvals, reduce bureaucratic hurdles and provide investors with greater certainty.

Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the State, through InvestSarawak, has strengthened coordination and is finalising the policy.

“The Sarawak Investment Policy will 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,” he said at the forum held at Hilton Hotel here today.

Abang Johari said the policy will also boost investor confidence and attract greater private sector participation by improving governance and regulatory processes.

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

“By 2030, investors should face fewer handoffs, clearer requirements and greater certainty from entry to operation,” he added.

He noted that the SIP forms part of Sarawak’s broader strategy to remain investable despite global volatility through 2030.

At the event, Abang Johari presented the ASEAN Outstanding Business Leadership Lifetime Achievement Award to Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) chairman Tan Sri Datuk Amar Abdul Aziz Husain.

Abang Johari (second left) presents the ASEAN Outstanding Business Leadership Lifetime Achievement Award to Abdul Aziz at the Asean Sarawak Business & Economic Forum 2026 on Feb 12. Photo credit: Sarawak Information Department (Japen)

The ASEAN Innovation Excellence Award went to Smart Rental, Neurogine Sdn Bhd, Singularity Connect and China Submarine Cable Construction Co Ltd, while the ASEAN Business Excellence Award was presented to YAST Group, ASTEEL Group Berhad and Jiumoxa Malaysia.

Lukiven Business Group president Antonio Jose Moschella Gonzalez and Amalgamated Batteries Manufacturing (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd managing director Dato Tay Tze How received the ASEAN Outstanding Entrepreneur Award, while Sarawak Tribune and Suara Sarawak CEO Dato Dr Jeniri Amir and Chengdu Orange Light Universe Technology Development Co Ltd CEO Jia Mei Cheng received the ASEAN CEO Icon Leadership Award.

Hallman Sabri, executive director of Sarawak Skills Group of Learning Institutions, received the ASEAN Human Resource Leadership Award, while Dato Ho Fong Lee, founding chairman, president and CEO of Terra Firma Asia Sdn Bhd, received the ASEAN CEO Business Icon Leadership Award.

Also present were Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Sarawak Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, Deputy Minister of Energy and Environmental Sustainability Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni, ASEAN Business Club president Tan Sri Dr Munir Majid, and ASEAN Economic Club chairman Tan Sri Michael Yeoh. — DayakDaily