KUCHING: Sarawak could overtake Johor and Selangor to become Malaysia’s second-largest exporter by 2030, driven by its growing industries and investments in new economic sectors.
Premier and Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) president Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the gap between Sarawak and the two states was not substantial, giving him confidence that the state could improve its standing.
“I think by 2030, we can overtake Johor and Selangor because the gap is not that wide. We can become the second major exporter for the whole Malaysian economy,” he said in his address during the PBB Southern Zone Special Convention 2026 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here today (Nov 15).
Abang Johari said methanol production, carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS), and industrial expansion involving Western Digital, OCI and Press Metal would help strengthen Sarawak’s export performance.
He said Sarawak currently ranked fourth among the country’s exporting states and territories, behind Penang, Selangor and Johor, while Kuala Lumpur was fifth.
“Penang produces high-tech products. Its position is high because its exports are high. After Penang comes Selangor, then Johor, followed by Sarawak in fourth place and Kuala Lumpur in fifth,” he said.
Apart from its expanding industries, Abang Johari pointed to Sarawak’s proximity to Kalimantan and the economic potential of its hinterland as advantages supporting further growth.
He said these opportunities underpinned the development of Tanjung Embang, while stressing that achieving Sarawak’s export ambition would require continued hard work and sound policies.
“But we must work hard. We have the right policies,” he said.
