By Christine T
KUCHING, Sept 29: Multinational corporations (MNCs) operating in Sarawak have been urged to source locally wherever possible, including by engaging capable Sarawakian companies for work ranging from earthworks and site clearing to transportation, as the State pushes to build stronger local supply chains and businesses.
Minister of International Trade, Industry, and Investment Sarawak (MINTRED) Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said sourcing locally would give Sarawakian businesses opportunities to build capabilities, establish track records, and grow into stronger players serving major industries.
“If the product can be supplied locally, you should acquire it locally. You don’t have to import,” he said when launching the Sarawak Global Supply Chain and Sourcing Programme 2026 at Pullman Hotel here today.
Awang Tengah said MNCs should also make use of competent local companies for basic works such as earthworks, site clearing and transportation.
“This is an opportunity for all our local players who are involved in the construction sector,” he said.
He added that stronger partnerships between MNCs and local companies could help Sarawakian businesses expand their capabilities and eventually move into higher-value activities.
Awang Tengah also stressed that local companies must strengthen their certification, quality standards, management systems, production capacity, financing readiness, technology adoption, and delivery reliability to meet international supply chain requirements.
“This is the requirement. There is no other choice. We have to focus,” he said.
He said Sarawak wanted its companies to move beyond simply supplying basic goods and services and eventually become solution providers and technology partners capable of participating in regional and global value chains.
Awang Tengah also called on businesses to make full use of agencies such as the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), and InvestSarawak to strengthen their readiness and access to opportunities.
“We must utilise this to the maximum. This is for everyone’s good. At the end of the day, we want to grow businesses,” he said.
Awang Tengah said the Sarawak government would continue working to improve the ecosystem for investment and business growth, including through infrastructure, talent development, and human capital development.
He added that he had also discussed with the federal government the possibility of providing more incentives, including for promoted industries.
“We will continue to work together. Our end is to develop a conducive ecosystem for the development of investment and for the businesses to grow,” he said. — DayakDaily
