By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, July 5: Trade between Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam totalled RM2.4 billion in the first half of 2026, while trade between Sarawak and the neighbouring sultanate reached RM530 million.
According to trade figures released by the Sarawak Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment (MINTRED), Malaysia exported RM1.9 billion worth of goods to Brunei and imported RM500 million during the January-June period.
The main Malaysian exports to Brunei comprised mineral fuels, pharmaceuticals, machinery parts, cereals and flour, as well as iron and steel. Major imports from Brunei included mineral fuels, cultured pearls and jewellery, organic chemicals, machinery parts, and animal feeds.
For Sarawak, exports to Brunei amounted to RM420 million in the first six months of 2026, while imports stood at RM100 million, bringing total trade to RM530 million.
Sarawak’s key exports to Brunei consisted of mineral fuels, animal feed, plastics, machinery parts, and food and beverages. Meanwhile, imports were mainly mineral fuels, animal feed, wood-based products, and iron and steel.
The latest figures follow a strong performance in 2025, when total trade between Malaysia and Brunei reached RM5.8 billion, comprising RM4.2 billion in exports and RM1.6 billion in imports.
Trade between Sarawak and Brunei also remained resilient last year, recording RM1.89 billion, with exports valued at RM1.56 billion and imports at RM330 million.
Speaking at the Sarawak-Brunei Entrepreneurs Roadshow 2026 Gala Dinner in Lawas last night, Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said Brunei remains one of Malaysia’s important trading partners within ASEAN and a close traditional trading partner of Sarawak.
“Trade between Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam last year reached RM5.8 billion, while trade between Sarawak and Brunei amounted to RM1.89 billion.
“This includes the trade of food products, machinery, as well as oil and gas-based products. We need to continue enhance this cooperation,” he was quoted as saying in TVS report.
Awang Tengah, who is also Sarawak’s Minister for International Trade, Industry and Investment, said both neighbouring territories should continue expanding structured, progressive and mutually beneficial cross-border economic cooperation.
His remarks were delivered during the Sarawak-Brunei Entrepreneurs Roadshow 2026, which drew 350 participants, including more than 200 delegates from Brunei representing eight trade and business organisations. The two-day programme also featured discussions on investment opportunities in the agri-food sector to strengthen regional food security. — DayakDaily
