By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Dec 24: With its strength and abundant resources, Sarawak is well on track to realise its vision of becoming a “star” economy in ASEAN, and while the journey ahead is ambitious, it is by no means impossible, Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said in his Christmas message today.
In his message to Christians across the State, Abang Johari expressed confidence that Sarawak has what it takes to achieve sustainable and inclusive growth, anchored on clean energy, industrial development and strategic investments that will drive long-term prosperity for the people.
“Taking advantage of our vast river systems and hydropower capacity, Sarawak is poised to become a leader in clean energy production, including pioneering green hydrogen and solar power generation and export,” he said, adding that the State has also been identified as a contributor to the proposed ASEAN Power Grid.
This, he said, supports Sarawak’s ambition to become a “battery” for the region through renewable energy generation, strengthening its role in the regional energy ecosystem.
Abang Johari noted that Sarawak is also endowed with vast natural gas resources, which will be utilised as feedstock for the petrochemical industry, supported by the development of key infrastructure such as gas pipelines and terminals.
“With billions of ringgit in potential investment, these initiatives are expected to further invigorate the State’s economy,” he said.
He also highlighted Sarawak’s significant potential in Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS), pointing out that both onshore and offshore geological structures offer promising prospects for carbon storage, which could create a new revenue stream for the State.
The Premier said the semiconductor industry is another emerging growth area, with steps already taken to position Sarawak as a major player in the ecosystem, particularly in compound chip design, research and innovation.
Touching on fiscal management, Abang Johari said the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government remains firmly committed to development, with the 2026 state budget allocating between 60 and 70 per cent for development expenditure, compared to 30 to 40 per cent for recurrent spending.
“Next year, we are expecting an estimated revenue of RM13.1 billion and an expenditure of RM12.91 billion, resulting in a surplus budget.
“We do not want to boast about the size of our revenue and budget, but it reflects the GPS government’s commitment to expedite development, particularly in providing road infrastructure, water supply and electricity, while creating an ecosystem conducive to Sarawak’s economic transformation,” he said.
Abang Johari said Sarawak’s revenue, which has increased 2.4 times compared to eight years ago, is a blessing that must be shared with all Sarawakians through improved infrastructure, basic amenities and human capital development.
He cited the RM3.8 billion Miri–Marudi–Mulu–Long Panai–Long Lama (MMMLL) road project, funded entirely by Sarawak, as a key example of inclusive development, describing the 142-kilometre road as not just a transport link but a new economic lifeline for communities previously accessible only by river or air.
He also highlighted the Sarawak–Sabah Link Road Phase 2 (SSLR2), which will strengthen road connectivity in northern Sarawak and link the state directly to Sabah without passing through Brunei. SSLR Phase 1, from Lawas to Long Luping, has already reached 57.6 per cent completion.
“Through this road, the people in northern Sarawak will no longer be burdened with crossing fees, passport procedures, or immigration checkpoints before reaching their destination,” he said.
Looking ahead, Abang Johari said the Sarawak government plans to take over some 6,000 kilometres of logging roads statewide and convert them into public roads by 2030, further enhancing connectivity and unlocking new economic potential, particularly in agriculture and rural tourism.
In conjunction with Christmas, the Premier extended warm greetings to Christians throughout Sarawak, expressing hope that the celebration would bring peace, blessings and unity.
“The spirit of ‘Segulai Sejalai’ that we uphold is not merely a phrase, but a way of life that unites us as one big Sarawakian family.
“Let this Christmas, like other celebrations, be a platform for us to continue building a strong, harmonious and stable Sarawak,” he concluded. — DayakDaily
