By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Aug 30: Sarawak will continue transforming its economy from one centred on commodities to a green, high-tech and sustainable model, says Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
In his message in conjunction with the 69th National Day celebration, he said the transformation would be driven by Sarawak’s existing strengths, particularly its renewable energy resources while cooperation between the Federal Government, Sarawak and Sabah would support more balanced development.
“I am confident that with a win-win spirit among the Federal, Sarawak and Sabah leaders, this region will continue to move forward in transforming from a commodity-based economy to a green, high-tech and sustainable economy under the protection of a progressive and stable Malaysia,” he said.
Abang Johari said Sarawak’s economic position had strengthened since 2017, with state revenue more than doubling compared with more than a decade ago.
Sarawak recorded RM12.5 billion in revenue in 2025, while RM14.2 billion was recorded in 2024, the highest in the State’s history.
He said the State’s economic strength was also reflected in its renewable energy capacity, with about 61 per cent of installed electricity generation capacity coming from renewable sources, particularly hydropower.
Sarawak is targeting an increase in electricity generation capacity from 5.9 gigawatts (GW) to 10GW by 2030.
The additional clean energy capacity, he said, would provide the foundation for developing hydrogen, green industries, data centres and other high-tech industries.
Abang Johari also pointed to Bintulu’s recognition as Malaysia’s first Transitioning Industrial Cluster (TIC), placing it among 43 energy-based industrial clusters across 24 countries under the World Economic Forum.
He said the recognition reflected Sarawak’s growing capacity to support green industrial development.
Beyond energy and technology, the Premier highlighted agriculture and food security as other areas with potential to contribute to the State’s economic growth.
Sarawak, which had about 1.66 million hectares of oil palm plantations and produced around 4.5 million tonnes of crude palm oil in 2025, could further expand the industry’s downstream value chain into animal feed and biomass,” he added.
Abang Johari said these developments would support Sarawak’s efforts to build a more diversified economy while maintaining its focus on sustainable growth.
He also expressed appreciation to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for his assurance that the Federal Government would continue strengthening cooperation with Sarawak and Sabah towards the welfare of the people and more equitable development.
He said Sarawak’s economic transformation would continue under a progressive and stable Malaysia. — DayakDaily
