By Amanda L
KUCHING, Oct 20: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has vowed to strengthen the State’s delivery system under the Sarawak 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), saying the focus is clear—“better execution, better outcomes, and better lives for all Sarawakians.”
He said that to ensure effective implementation, the State government has reinforced its planning and delivery systems so that every initiative produces measurable and transparent outcomes.
“Every ringgit spent must translate into real impact for our people. That means clearer targets, stronger coordination and continuous monitoring across all levels of government,” he said when speaking during the Sarawak Economic Conference and the launch of the 13th Malaysia Plan 2026–2030 at the Sheraton Hotel here today.
To translate these strategic thrusts into tangible outcomes, he said, Sarawak’s 13MP will be structured around 15 key socioeconomic sectors and enablers: energy transition; manufacturing and SME development; commercial agriculture; tourism, arts, culture, and creative industries; forestry, natural asset (capital) management, and conservation; mining and oil and gas; infrastructure and utilities; transport and logistics; business services; digital transformation; innovation; education and human capital; social services; government transformation; and waste and circularity.
“These sectors reflect our evolving economic landscape, our focus on innovation-led, diversified, and inclusive growth, and provide the framework through which Sarawak will deliver on its ambitious targets,” he said.
To deliver these priorities effectively, the Premier said that the Sarawak 13MP will be driven through ten high-level strategies, each designed to focus resources and partnerships on the areas of greatest impact:
- Accelerating clean energy transition through the establishment of an energy regulator, development of the Sarawak Hydrogen Hub, and enhancement of power generation and storage.
- Developing strategic industries via partnerships, local supply chain strengthening, and SME development, with hubs like the Kuching Low-Carbon Hub and Baram Renewable Energy Economic Zone.
- Boosting investor confidence and private-sector participation by improving governance, regulations, and public-private partnership frameworks.
- Optimising land use for agriculture, industry, and urban development through joint ventures and leasing models, particularly for native customary rights (NCR) land.
- Enhancing quality of life and social inclusivity through medical hubs, family well-being programmes, and initiatives such as Sarawak Women@Work and Family First.
- Attracting and retaining talent with targeted incentives like the Sarawak Employment Package (SPACK), Elevating the Educators, and Regional Youth Centres.
- Strengthening safety and disaster preparedness using technology-driven monitoring and resilient infrastructure.
- Advancing climate action and the circular economy through a Sarawak Climate Change Centre and Climate Finance Facility.
- Protecting natural resources with nature-based carbon projects and community-led forest management.
- Empowering Bumiputera entrepreneurs through financing, skills training, and partnerships to expand participation in the growing economy.
Abang Johari said all ministries and agencies will prepare detailed action plans aligned with the 13MP strategies, supported by regular performance reviews to keep implementation on track.
He stressed that Sarawak’s success so far is built on long-term planning, disciplined execution and sound governance, which have produced real results over the years.
“As we embark on a new chapter in our journey, we can take pride in how far we have come. Transformation is a continuous journey, where each plan builds on the last and each generation carries the work forward,” he emphasised.
Describing the Sarawak 13MP as a bridge between today and 2030, the Premier said it aligns the State’s economic ambitions, social priorities and environmental goals into one shared vision of a Sarawak that is resilient, competitive, compassionate and sustainable. — DayakDaily
