MIRI: Sarawak contributes 10 per cent to Malaysia’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), placing it among the top three state contributors nationwide.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg noted that Miri plays a key role in driving Sarawak’s as well as Malaysia’s economic development.
He said that under the Federal Constitution, Sarawak is now benefiting from higher returns on its oil and gas resources through the state sales tax (SST) and profit-sharing with Petronas and Petros.
“Miri’s role in the development of the oil and gas industry led to the creation of the Oil and Mining Ordinance 1958 (OMO 1958) by the British to ensure the proper exploitation of Sarawak’s oil resources.
“OMO 1958 has never been repealed and remains in effect after Malaysia’s formation, as outlined in the Federal Constitution and the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
“The operation of our oil and gas rights has increased Sarawak’s revenue, enabling the state government to develop a more competitive and sustainable Sarawak under the Post-Covid Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030,” he said during the Sarawak Day celebration
at the Miri Indoor Stadium last night (Jul 22).
Abang Johari said Sarawak’s trade value has steadily increased from RM136 billion in 2019 to RM199 billion in 2024, a 46 per cent rise over six years.
“With the growing economy, I am confident Sarawak will meet the RM282 billion target set for 2030 under PCDS 2030,” he added.
The Premier also said that the choice of Miri as the host city for this year’s Sarawak Day celebration is not by chance but a recognition of Miri’s significant contributions to Sarawak’s economic development.
He noted that Miri, better known as ‘Oil Town’, is where oil and gas were first discovered and developed by Shell in 1910.
“The oil and gas industry in Malaysia began in Sarawak, specifically in Miri.
“Miri has since grown into an important city in the economic framework of Sarawak, dating back to the Brooke and British eras,” he said.
The event saw more than 5,000 people gather at Miri Indoor Stadium to celebrate the 62nd Sarawak Day, graced by Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi.
