KUCHING: Sarawak is on a firm trajectory of economic expansion as the state records steady gains ahead of its 2030 development goals, says Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Abang Johari noted that the growth reflects the beginning of Sarawak’s “harvest period”, driven by earlier strategic investments.
“From 2021 to 2025, Sarawak’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is expected to grow from RM132 billion to RM154 billion – a cumulative increase of about RM22 billion in just five years,” he said.
He said this in his ministerial winding-up speech at the DUN sitting here on Wednesday (Dec 3).
Abang Johari noted that resources alone are not enough to secure the state’s future, stressing the importance of disciplined planning to transform natural wealth into lasting prosperity.
He emphasised that history has shown how resource-rich economies risk falling into the “Dutch disease” without long-term strategy and foresight.
He said Sarawak’s 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), launched in October, outlines the state’s development trajectory from 2026 to 2030 – the final phase of the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
“Building on the significant achievements under 12MP, 13MP represents not only a continuation but an acceleration of our development agenda, which will drive deeper progress and propel Sarawak towards becoming a thriving, inclusive and globally competitive economy.
“Through strategic efforts, we aim to double Sarawak’s economy to RM282 billion by 2030 and raise the median monthly household income to RM15,000, reflecting our commitment to improving living standards for all.”
He said an additional RM100 billion in GDP is needed to reach the target, supported by robust investments in energy, manufacturing, digitalisation, commercial agriculture and major infrastructure projects.
“With this clear progression in GDP and the scale of investments coming onstream over the next five years, we can say with confidence that Sarawak is on a realistic path to achieving its GDP target.
“In parallel, we remain steadfast in embedding environmental sustainability, with the goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.”
