By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, July 12: Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap has slammed Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong’s claim that Sarawak is “not ready” for foreign investors, calling it misleading, damaging to investor confidence, and unbecoming of a Sarawakian leader.
Responding to the Sarawak Democratic Action Party (DAP) organising secretary’s remarks published in Free Malaysia Today today, Yap said the statement was “disappointing” and failed to reflect the on-the-ground reality of investor interest, progress and policy execution in Sarawak.
“As a Sarawakian herself, she should be proud of Sarawak’s achievements rather than undermining them with sweeping generalisations,” Yap said in a press statement.
Yap, who serves as Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) assistant treasurer, pointed out that Sarawak secured RM116 billion in approved investments between 2020 and 2024, with 60 per cent being foreign direct investment (FDI).
In 2023 alone, RM22.8 billion in new investments were recorded in high-tech, green energy and advanced manufacturing sectors, with more than RM9.3 billion in foreign projects actively progressing.
Yap further highlighted that Sarawak offers competitively priced industrial land and renewable energy at tariffs up to 73 per cent lower than regional competitors. Zones like Sama Jaya Free Industrial Zone are already hosting multinational companies.
He added that InvestSarawak, supported by RM7 million annually, provides end-to-end assistance to investors, with coordinated agency support helping to reduce red tape and fast-track approvals.
“While Violet Yong alleges that investors are leaving, the facts show growing reinvestment and confidence in Sarawak’s stability and pro-business policies.
“Investors do not pour billions into a place that is ‘unready’,” he said, citing rising State income and World Bank recognition of Sarawak as having achieved high-income status.
Yap further urged all Sarawakians, including Yong, to set aside divisive politics and unite in defending and advancing the State’s progress. He stressed that Sarawakians have a duty to safeguard the State’s hard-earned reputation and not allow baseless claims to erode investor confidence.
“We must work together to attract investors and create opportunities for our people—not chase them away with unfounded negativity. While no government is perfect, we must move forward in unity and solidarity,” he said.
He added that Sarawak must present a united front, anchored in facts, to show the world it is ready, capable and determined to lead.
“Together, we can drive forward development that benefits every community and secures a brighter future for our State,” he emphasised. — DayakDaily
