KUCHING: Sarawak will intensify efforts to boost investor confidence through policy reforms, streamlined regulatory processes and stronger public-private partnerships under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP)
Director of the Economic Planning Unit (EPU) Sarawak, Datuk Lester Matthew, said the state will review infrastructure and utility policies while improving regulatory efficiency to provide greater certainty and delivery for investors.
“Investor confidence will be further enhanced through a review of infrastructure and utility policies, the streamlining of regulatory processes and the strengthening of private partnership frameworks to improve certainty, efficiency and delivery,” he said at the Sarawak Budget 2026 Conference held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) today.
Lester stressed that strong investor confidence is crucial to sustaining economic growth as Sarawak advances towards its 2030 development targets.
He added that the 13MP also prioritises improvements in the quality of life and long-term resilience of Sarawakians through several supporting strategies.
“We are focused on stronger execution, better outcomes and ultimately improving the quality of life for all Sarawakians,” he said.
Lester stated that among the key areas highlighted was the development of an inclusive and high-quality living environment through stronger healthcare services, expanded community-based programmes and continued implementation of social initiatives such as Sarawak Women at Work and Sarawak Family First.
“Building an inclusive and high-quality living environment is not just about infrastructure, but about supporting households and social well-being.
“Talent attraction and retention will also be a major focus under the plan, with targeted interventions aimed at developing future-ready skills and retaining local talent.
“Talent attraction and retention will be prioritised through initiatives such as the Sarawak Employment Package, uplifting educators and the establishment of regional youth centres,” he added.
He also emphasised the importance of strengthening safety, security and disaster preparedness, particularly in the face of increasingly frequent extreme weather events.
“We must be prepared for all natural disasters, especially during drought seasons, by strengthening technology-enabled monitoring systems and resilient infrastructure,” he said.
On environmental sustainability, Lester said climate action and the circular economy will be advanced through the Sarawak Climate Change Centre, which will coordinate policies and implementation towards a low-carbon economy.
“Climate action and the circular economy are critical to ensuring sustainable and resilient growth for Sarawak,” he said.
Lester noted that these strategies under the 13MP collectively support Sarawak’s broader goal of attracting investment, strengthening social resilience and achieving high-income status by 2030.
