BY ALEXANDRA LORNA & KAREN MASING
KUCHING: Sarawak is on track to become a high-income state by 2030, leveraging strategic investments, infrastructure development, and new economic frontiers.
In a special interview, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan outlined Sarawak’s ambitious roadmap, emphasising political stability, business-friendly policies and a focus on sustainability as key drivers of growth.
“Our leadership has laid a strong foundation for development. From the era of late Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, who introduced the ‘Politics of Development,’ to the late Pehin Sri Adenan Satem’s rural transformation initiatives, and now under Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, we are charting a new economic course,” he said in the interview at his office at Wisma Sumber Alam here yesterday (Thursday).
Awang Tengah who is also Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) deputy president, said that the Sarawak’s economy had seen a significant boost, with RM116 billion in total approved investments recorded from 2020 to September 2024 across multiple sectors.
“While strengthening conventional economic activities, our Premier is also exploring new industries based on sustainable development principles.
“One of the pillars of our Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 is environmental sustainability.
“That is why we are focusing on digitalisation, the circular economy, the green economy, hydrogen production, carbon capture and storage,” he added.
Awang Tengah also emphasised the importance of infrastructure in driving economic expansion, citing the construction of new ports and airports, improved road connectivity and telecommunications enhancements as key priorities.
“We need robust infrastructure to facilitate investments. That is why we are building new ports and airports as well as improving connectivity within the state. We are also investing heavily in renewable energy, aiming to produce at least 15,000 megawatts of electricity by 2035,” he said.
He also mentioned that PBB as the backbone of the government, prioritised education, talent development and skill enhancement.
“Our Premier has set a vision: by 2026, students from Sarawak who qualify for university admission will receive free education at state-owned universities.
“This means that regardless of their background, if they pursue higher education, their fees will be covered by the government. We recognise that economic growth and improved quality of life stem from education,” he said.
Thus, Awang Tengah said with the political stability championed by PBB, our government had successfully ensured unity among Sarawak’s multiracial society.
“All these initiatives are undertaken to ensure Sarawak continues to grow, allowing future generations to benefit from this progress.
“Therefore, the unity and strength of PBB, which serves as the backbone of the GPS government, must always be preserved. We must also adapt to changes to remain relevant,” he said.
