By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Nov 18: Sarawak’s exceptional economic performance, particularly in tourism, has been a key driver in Malaysia’s recent services-account surplus of RM0.7 billion in the third quarter of the year, says Kota Sentosa assemblyman, Wilfred Yap.
In a statement, he said that while the federal government has credited fiscal discipline for the RM 0.7 billion services surplus, in the first three quarters of 2025, Sarawak has welcomed over 3.2 million visitors, generating an estimated RM 8.18 billion in tourism receipts.
“This growth has strengthened Malaysia’s travel services exports, the largest component of the national services account and contributed directly to the surplus,” he said.
Therefore, he said, the prime minister should recognise and thank the Sarawak government under Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), whose strategic investments, infrastructure development, and dedication to promoting tourism have powered this achievement.
Yap said Sarawak’s leadership in eco-tourism, cultural heritage, and hospitality has not only benefited local communities but has also provided a measurable contribution to the national economy.
Based on estimates, he said, Sarawak’s tourism contribution accounts for approximately eight per cent of Malaysia’s travel services exports and roughly three per cent of total services receipts, highlighting its critical role in generating the services surplus.
“Fiscal discipline is important, but it is the hard work and vision of Sarawak’s GPS leaders and people that have transformed the State into an economic powerhouse supporting the nation. This deserves recognition,” he said.
According to the Malay Mail, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim told Parliament today that Malaysia recorded a services sector surplus in the third quarter of 2025, the first time in 14 years.
Responding to a question from Tebrau MP Jimmy Puah Wee Tse in the Dewan Rakyat, Anwar said the services account posted a RM0.7 billion surplus in Q3, ending a long-running deficit that had persisted since 2011. — DayakDaily
