by Yvonne T
KUCHING, Nov 24: Sarawak will intensify its trade and investment agenda in 2026 with fresh allocations to strengthen investor outreach, develop local enterprises and enhance the State’s ease of doing business.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said RM6 million has been set aside to scale up trade and investment promotion activities, with another RM6 million channelled to InvestSarawak to lead targeted missions across domestic and international markets.
A further RM21 million will support the operations of Sarawak Trade and Tourism Offices in Singapore, Brunei and soon, Pontianak in Kalimantan.
“We are committed to attracting strategic investments in key sectors such as energy transition, petrochemicals, advanced manufacturing, tourism, and services,” he said when tabling the Sarawak Budget 2026 at the State Legislative Assembly (DUS) sitting today.
He said the State will empower small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to strengthen export readiness through trade expos and facilitation programmes aimed at drawing more participation from domestic and foreign investors, as well as SMEs in key sectors. He added that the network of Sarawak Trade and Tourism Offices will continue to act as strategic gateways deepening Sarawak’s commercial presence in the Asean region.
The Premier said Sarawak is also enhancing ease of doing business by streamlining regulations, improving digital infrastructure and reducing bureaucratic barriers.
“Beginning next year, we will integrate existing systems into a single digital platform to expedite approvals and foster a business-friendly environment.
“Complementing Federal initiatives, Sarawak is committed to accelerating industrial development through a comprehensive package of incentives and facilitation measures.
“Agencies like InvestSarawak serve as strategic partners, facilitating funding access, streamlining investor services, and providing local knowledge to position Sarawak as a preferred
destination for high-impact investments,” he added.
Abang Johari said the State is also formulating the Sarawak Investment Policy, which aims to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework encompassing incentives, strategic interventions, and support mechanisms.
To strengthen local enterprise development, RM31 million has been allocated to support the growth of micro and small enterprises. This includes programmes such as Skim Kredit Mikro Sarawak, Skim Pinjaman Industri Kecil dan Sederhana, Program Peningkatan Usahawan Bumiputera, Pusat Inkubator dan Bimbingan Usahawan, Program Pembangunan Kontraktor dan Pembekal Bumiputera, Program Kontraktor Berdaya Saing, Program Graduan ke Arah Keusahawanan, Program Usahawan Teknikal dan Vokasional, Go Digital Programme and Special Relief Fund.
The Sarawak Recovery BizFund will continue to assist affected enterprises, with an additional RM20 million allocated to strengthen SME training and upskilling.
To empower rural entrepreneurship, RM9.6 million will be allocated in 2026 to establish 16 entrepreneurship centres across Sarawak.
Sarawak will also prioritise industrial park development to create a robust investment ecosystem supported by modern infrastructure. A total of RM58.2 million will be allocated for projects in Industrial Parks in Kuching, Sibu, Lawas and Limbang, Kuching High-Tech Park (Free Zone), Industrial Areas in Kapit, Bau and Sebuyau, Samalaju SME Cluster; and Rantau Panjang Industrial Estate.
Abang Johari said the State will undertake a RM2.65 million Impact Assessment Study on industrial parks to guide future planning and ensure the facilities deliver optimal value to Sarawak’s growth agenda. – DayakDaily
