By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, July 2: Sarawak recorded a robust trade surplus of RM16.8 billion in the first quarter of 2025, with Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan calling on local companies to leverage the Sarawak Export Day 2025 platform to explore new markets and expand their business networks locally and globally.
Speaking when officiating at the Sarawak Export Day 2025 held at a local hotel here today, Awang Tengah, who is also Sarawak Minister for International Trade, Industry, and Investment (MINTRED), noted that Sarawak’s trade has shown a steady performance with total trade in 2024 valued at RM133.8 billion, an increase of 2.3 per cent compared to 2023.
“In 2024, export rose by 2.3 per cent to RM133.8 billion, driven primarily by liquefied natural gas, crude petroleum, and crude palm oil.
“Imports increased by 3.1 per cent to RM64.5 billion, while the trade surplus expanded by 1.5 per cent to RM69.3 billion.
“In the first quarter of 2025, Sarawak maintained strong momentum, recording a trade surplus of RM16.8 billion,” he revealed, adding that Sarawak must remain proactive in identifying new export avenues and enhancing its competitiveness to stay resilient amid global uncertainties.
Awang Tengah further highlighted that the Sarawak government continues to implement various initiatives aimed at supporting and enhancing the competitiveness of local exporters.
“Since 2021, interest subsidy schemes have supported more than 3,300 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with subsidies amounting to RM75.5 million, while 178,000 entrepreneurs have received RM3.3 billion in assistance.
“MINTRED works closely with exporters to navigate regulatory changes, participate in trade missions, and gain exposure in international markets.
“Our trade offices in Singapore and Brunei — and soon, a new office in Pontianak — serve as key entry points for Sarawak-made products and services to access and expand into regional markets and beyond,” he added.
The minister also stressed that to build an export-ready economy for Sarawak, it is crucial to explore new markets such as Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America, as diversifying beyond traditional trade partners will open up new opportunities and reduce risks.
Meanwhile, Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) chairman Dato Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican urged Sarawak-based businesses to take full advantage of the various forums and engagement sessions held throughout the two-day event, running from today until July 3.
He expressed confidence that the programme would strengthen the export segment in the region while further solidifying Sarawak’s role as one of Malaysia’s leading contributors to Gross Domestic Product (GDP), alongside Selangor, Penang, and Negeri Sembilan.
“Export activities contributed RM1.51 trillion to Malaysia’s trade sector, and 90 per cent of that was generated by four major states—one of which is Sarawak,” Reezal said.
The Sarawak government and MATRADE are targeting participation from 400 local companies for the 2025 edition of Sarawak Export Day.
Key programme highlights include seminars on Free Trade Agreements (FTA), logistics and export readiness, cross-border digital platforms, as well as pricing strategies and legal frameworks.
For the record, Sarawak remains the fourth largest contributor to Malaysia’s export performance, having recorded RM116.8 billion in total export value in 2024.
The State’s key export commodities include fuel and mineral lubricants (58.9 per cent), manufactured goods (16 per cent), vegetable oils and animal fats (14.7 per cent), and machinery and transport equipment (5.2 per cent).
The Sarawak Export Day 2025, jointly organised by MINTRED and MATRADE, brings together key industry players, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and entrepreneurs to share insights, opportunities, and strategies for expanding Sarawak’s export market.
The event was attended by various dignitaries and officials, including MINTRED Deputy Minister Datuk Dr Malcolm Mussen Lamoh and MATRADE chairman Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican. — DayakDaily
