KUCHING: Sarawak has witnessed an extraordinary achievement in the historical doubling of the state’s revenue in just seven years.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said this is an achievement under the skilled leadership of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
“Sarawak’s revenue grew from RM5.6 billion in 2017 to an impressive RM14.2 billion in 2024, a seemingly impossible feat accomplished in just seven years,” he said.
He was speaking at the Amanat Perdana Premier Sarawak 2025 programme at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) today.
Uggah said Sarawak is also recognised by the World Bank as a high-income region, well ahead of the state’s original 2030 target.
“We have also successfully attracted RM21.5 billion in approved investment between 2021 to 2023, making a significant step in our economic diversification and creating 11,000 new jobs,” he said.
“Meanwhile, Sarawak has done 31,577 kilometres (km) of road construction. In addition, we have a very impressive utility coverage of 99.4 per cent of households now connected by electricity and 84 per cent of clean water,” he said.
Thus, he said these achievements stand as a testament to the effectiveness of the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, propelling Sarawak toward sustainable growth and positioning the state for a future of continued success and inclusivity.
“I know when you (Abang Johari) came in (to office in) 2017, that will be your biggest dilemma. There was a need to have some way to raise funds because you had a very ambitious plan to develop Sarawak.
“So, sir, today we congratulate you for your wisdom, for setting up the Development Bank of Sarawak (DBOS), which has played a crucial role in making available funds for the alternative funding mechanism.
“With alternative funding from DBOS, the government has successfully implemented various projects,” he said.
He added among the projects include the construction of the coastal and second trunk road costing RM11 billion, 15 bridges costing RM5.9 billion, and water supply grid stretch area costing RM4 billion for the rural electricity scheme costing RM2.4 billion.
“Obviously, without the DBOS alternative funding, those projects that I mentioned will remain just a dream, but which are now becoming a reality because of Abang Johari’s creative idea on setting up DBOS,” he said.
He added under the stewardship of the Premier, Sarawak has made significant strides in establishing itself as a regional green energy hub by implementing a number of flagship projects
Uggah expressed his gratitude that under the leadership of Abang Johari, Sarawak continues to be united and is the most politically stable state in Malaysia.
“As we celebrate our success, we must stand firm and resolute in defending Sarawak’s rights especially with regard to our boundaries in the continental shelf.
“The Premier has made it clear stating that, ‘nobody should question Sarawak’s inalienable right to the continental shelf within our boundary’.
“This is not merely a statement, but a declaration of Sarawak’s unyielding position and non-negotiable issue,” said Uggah.
