KUCHING: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reaffirmed Sarawak’s position as Malaysia’s future economic powerhouse, saying the state continues to play a central role in the nation’s economic transformation under the Malaysia MADANI agenda.
In a series of infographics shared on his official platforms, Anwar said strategic development, high-quality investments and expanded job opportunities are driving Sarawak’s progress, supported by sustained federal attention and strengthened cooperation between the federal and Sarawak governments.
“Sarawak’s prosperity is integral to Malaysia’s future. Strategic investments, new industries and quality job creation will continue to position Sarawak as a key economic driver,” he said.
Anwar said the federal government remains committed to resolving outstanding matters under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), with discussions between Putrajaya and the Sarawak government being accelerated.
These include greater autonomy in education and healthcare, increased special allocations for Sarawak and new arrangements to ensure the state’s voice carries greater weight in national policymaking.
“These efforts recognise Sarawak as an equal partner in the federation,” he said.
The prime minister said Sarawak has recorded growing investor confidence, particularly in renewable energy, hydrogen, logistics and the digital economy.
Among key initiatives highlighted were the RM184 million Batang Ai floating solar project, green hydrogen investments involving partners from Japan, South Korea and Europe, international logistics expansion and the development of data centres and artificial intelligence facilities.
“These developments have positioned Sarawak as a gateway for green investments in the Asia-Pacific region,” he said.
Anwar also said Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (PETROS) has been further strengthened, with expanded cooperation with PETRONAS in upstream oil and gas activities in Sarawak waters.
He said clearer partnership frameworks have contributed to higher state revenue while reinforcing Sarawak’s position as a future energy hub, particularly in green hydrogen development.
On infrastructure and people-centric development, Anwar said federal-backed projects continue to be expanded from urban centres to rural and interior areas to ensure no community is left behind.
He said affordable housing initiatives, including the People’s Housing Programme (PPR) and Rumah Mesra Rakyat, have been widened, while Step-Up Financing schemes are helping Sarawak youths own their first homes.
Federal assistance programmes such as Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA), he added, continue to support low-income and rural families, alongside village economic programmes aimed at strengthening household incomes.
At the same time, Anwar said industrial expansion in green energy, semiconductors, electrical and electronics (E&E), methanol and hydrogen hubs is expected to create thousands of technical and high-skill jobs, particularly for TVET graduates, engineers and young Sarawakians.
“These investments will strengthen key growth corridors across Kuching, Bintulu and Miri while opening long-term opportunities for Anak Sarawak,” he said.
Reiterating the federal government’s long-term vision, Anwar said Sarawak’s continued progress under Malaysia MADANI is crucial to Malaysia’s overall economic growth.
“Sarawak is not only progressing — Sarawak is the future of Malaysia,” he said.
