KUCHING: Sarawak’s 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) goals will be anchored on three core approaches, namely Fix, Build and New to strengthen implementation, accelerate project delivery and position the state to seize future economic opportunities.
Director of the Economic Planning Unit (EPU) Sarawak, Datuk Lester Matthew, said the approach marks a shift towards stronger execution and results-driven development under the upcoming plan period.
“The Fix approach will focus on resolving persistent implementation challenges, particularly in accelerating the execution of committed projects that have faced delays.
“This includes addressing critical bottlenecks, identifying projects with weakened delivery and ensuring faster realisation of development outcomes,” he said at the Sarawak Budget 2026 Conference held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) on Tuesday (Dec 16).
Under Build, he said the focus is on fully realising the foundations laid under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) and the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030).
He said this involves assessing the progress of ongoing initiatives and projects, and advancing them into their next phases to translate plans into tangible outcomes for the people.
“The New approach, meanwhile, seeks to capitalise on emerging global, regional and local developments by introducing high-impact initiatives to drive future growth,” he said.
These initiatives, he said, are aimed at positioning Sarawak to benefit from new economic opportunities in a rapidly evolving environment.
In the meantime, Lester said the direction of the 13MP is clear, with emphasis placed on stronger execution, better outcomes and an improved quality of life for all Sarawakians.
“Beyond implementation reforms, optimising land use remains an important supporting focus under the plan.
“Efforts will be made to support agriculture, industry and urban development through innovative joint venture arrangements, flexible leasing models and sustainable long-term spatial planning,” he said.
He said the measures are crucial to ensuring balanced and inclusive development, while maximising the state’s land resources to support economic expansion.
The 13MP, he added, provides a clear and coherent framework to guide Sarawak’s development agenda as the state moves forward with its long-term aspirations towards 2030.
