KUCHING: Sarawak will focus on infrastructure, economy, environment, social development and governance under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), spanning 15 key socioeconomic sectors.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said 1,418 kilometres of roads and 30 bridges would be built and upgraded across the state, while rural electrification would extend reliable power to more than 1,000 villages, benefitting around 13,000 households.
He said Sarawak is also on track to achieve 7,000 telecommunication towers under the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS), targeting near-universal digital coverage by 2030.
“We are modernising our infrastructure and utilities through efficient resource management to build a stronger, more connected region.
“Major projects such as the Coastal Road Network, Second Trunk Road and the Sarawak Water Supply Grid will enhance connectivity and drive regional growth,” he said when officiating at the Sarawak Economic Conference 2025 and the launch of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) at Sheraton Hotel here today (Oct 20).
Abang Johari said the 13MP was structured around 15 key socioeconomic sectors and enablers, reflecting Sarawak’s evolving economic landscape and its focus on innovation-led, diversified and inclusive growth.
These include energy transition; manufacturing and Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) development; commercial agriculture; tourism, arts, culture and creative industries; forestry and natural asset (capital) management and conservation; mining and oil and gas; transport; digital transformation; innovation; government transformation; and waste and circular economy.
He said these sectors provide the framework through which Sarawak will deliver on its ambitious development targets towards 2030.
On agriculture, he said 2,059 hectares of land had been approved for new paddy cultivation, while 28 native customary rights (NCR) areas covering about 9,700 hectares were identified for development.
“These initiatives will ensure that rural communities benefit directly from value-added agricultural opportunities, strengthening both livelihoods and food security,” he said.
Abang Johari also outlined efforts to improve transport and logistics, including new bus and lorry terminals in Miri and Kapit, and the installation of smart traffic lights in Kapit and Kuching.
On business services, he said sectors including financial, engineering and manufacturing-support would be strengthened to boost Sarawak’s position as a competitive regional hub.
He stressed that education and human capital remained a cornerstone, with technical and vocational training expanded through Sarawak Skills and the Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak (CENTEXS) to prepare youths for 200,000 high-value jobs by 2030.
Social services will also be prioritised, with 20,000 affordable housing units to be built under 13MP, alongside initiatives to uplift living standards and strengthen community resilience.
