Sarawak’s 13th Malaysia Plan to focus on delivery, transformation and greater private sector participation
- BT
- 6 hours ago
- 5 min read
KUCHING, 21 October 2025: Sarawak’s 13th Malaysia Plan (2026-2030) Document was launched yesterday as part of the Sarawak Economic Conference (SEC) 2025, which was held at Sheraton Hotel Kuching. The momentous event, organised by the Sarawak State Secretary’s Office, marked a defining chapter for the state, serving as a pivotal platform to articulate Sarawak’s long-term development agenda, foster inclusive dialogue and reinforce whole-of-society commitment toward effective delivery.
SEC 2025 seeks to build momentum for inclusive, sustainable and high-impact growth, in line with the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, while ensuring Sarawak’s aspirations are firmly embedded within the national development narrative. The event brought together over 850 participants from government ministries and agencies, industry stakeholders, academia and civil society partners for a day of plenary sessions, keynote addresses and panel discussions.
“Today marks another important milestone in Sarawak’s development journey under the visionary leader shop of the Premier of Sarawak. The inaugural Sarawak Economic Conference provided a platform to gather the insight of global, national and to reflect our progress, identify key challenges and discuss the journey ahead,” said the Sarawak State Secretary, Datuk Amar Haji Mohamad Abu Bakar bin Marzuki in his welcoming speech.
“Sarawak is at a pivotal moment in her development journey under PCDS 2030. We are living through a period of profound transformation in the global economy. At the Sarawak level, we welcome the increased budget allocation announced for 2026, reflecting the Federal Government’s confidence in our growth trajectory,” stated the Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg in his speech.
Since 2021, Sarawak has secured RM31.2 billion in approved investments across manufacturing, renewable energy and digital industries, reflecting global trust in the state’s long-term direction, which is driven by clear policies, green transition and credible leadership. From 2021 to 2024, employment has expanded from 1.10 million to 1.21 million, while unemployment rate has declined from 4.5% to 3.4%. Meanwhile, the median monthly household income has increased by 21.1% from RM4,544 in 2019 to RM5,504 in 2024 while poverty has fallen from 9% (2019) to 8.4% (2024) and hardcore poverty from 0.4% (2019) to 0.1 (2024). To date, Sarawak has also planted over 35 million trees, advanced numerous nature-based carbon projects and strengthened its position as a regional leader in renewable energy, reaffirming the state’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
Malaysia’s economy is projected to expand between 4.0 and 4.5 percent in 2026, underpinned by robust domestic demand, expanding industrial capacity and rising innovation-led productivity. By aligning with Malaysia’s broader national agenda, Sarawak is poised to attract high-value investments, deepen industrial linkages and drive the country’s next phase of economic transformation. Guided by PCDS 2030, the 13th Malaysia Plan represents the next phase of Sarawak’s high-income, green, inclusive and globally competitive transformation, all while improving lives, creating quality jobs and expanding opportunities for all Sarawakians.
“We aim to double our economy from RM148.2 billion to RM282 billion by 2030, with a median monthly household income targeted at RM15,000 – reflecting our collective determination to uplift the living standards of all Sarawakians,” shared the Premier, adding that the 13th Malaysia Plan (2026-2030) will focus on accelerating delivery, deepening transformation and empowering greater private-sector participation by leveraging the state’s advantages, technology and manpower to drive industries, expand green investments and create opportunities.
Sarawak’s 13MP is structured around 15 Key Socioeconomic Sectors and Enablers, namely Energy Transition; Manufacturing and SME Development; Commercial Agriculture; Tourism, Arts Culture and Creative Industries; Forestry, Natural Asset (Capital) Management, and Conservation; Mining and Oil & Gas; Infrastructure and Utilities; Transport and Logistics; Business Services; Digital Transformation; Innovation; Education and Human Capital; Social Services; Government Transformation; and Waste and Circularity.
To deliver these priorities effectively, the Sarawak 13MP will be driven through 10 high-level strategies, each designed to focus resources and partnerships on the areas of greatest impact. They include accelerating clean energy transition, developing and attracting strategic industries, increasing investor confidence and private-sector participation, optimizing land use, building a high-quality living environment and inclusive society, attracting and retaining talent, enhancing safety, security and disaster preparedness, engaging in climate action, integrate ESG and advance the circular economy, protecting and sustainably managing natural resources as well as creating a strong and resilient Bumiputera business community.
Successful implementation of Sarawak’s 13MP will depend on the collaboration of all Sarawakians, with clear direction and strategic investment from the government and the energy and creativity from the private sector. State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) function as a bridge between the two, serving as Sarawak’s strategic arms to advance industrialization, ensure energy security and create opportunities that uplift the people.
“To strengthen their role and accountability, the Sarawak State Ownership Policy will be presented during the State Budget 2026 at the upcoming State Legislative Assembly sitting in November. It will consolidate and safeguard our assets while clearly defining how Sarawak exercises ownerships and ensuring that SOEs operate with commercial discipline, social responsibility and long-term sustainability,” added Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari, who also announced that Sarawak will be adopting a Corporate Governance Code for SOEs, complete with digital performance tracking to measure outcomes.
“The Sarawak 13MP is our bridge between today and 2030, aligning our economic ambitions, social priorities, and environmental commitments into one shared vision — Sarawak that is resilient, competitive, compassionate, and sustainable,” he concluded.
Also in attendance at yesterday’s event, Deputy Premiers, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Datuk Amar Haji Awang Tengah bin Ali Hasan, Datuk Amar Prof. Dr. Sim Kui Hian, Minister of Works of Malaysia, Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi, State Legislative Assembly Speaker, Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar, Minister for Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, Dato Sri Hajjah Fatimah Abdullah, Minister of Food Industry, Commodity & Regional Development, Dato Sri Dr. Stephen Rundi Utom, Ministry for Tourism, Creative Industry & Performing Arts, Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister for Transport, Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, Minister in the Premier’s Department, Dato Sri John Sikie anak Tayai, Minister for Utility & Telecommunication, Dato Sri Haji Julaihi Haji Narawi, Director of the Economic Planning Unit Sarawak, Datu Lester Matthew, deputy ministers, heads of department and other distinguished guests.
