KUCHING: Sarawak is increasingly demonstrating the characteristics of a developed region, supported by steady economic growth, modern infrastructure and social progress under the leadership of the Premier of Sarawak.
Having said this, Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar added although Sarawak has yet to reach the level of fully developed nations such as Singapore, Japan and South Korea, the state has been moving decisively in that direction through the implementation of the post-COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
“In terms of development and progress, I am very proud that Sarawak now demonstrates the characteristics of a developed region under the leadership of the Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg ,” he said in his Christmas 2025 and New Year 2026 message.
Wan Junaidi said Sarawak’s progress is reflected in its transition towards a high-income economy, with economic growth driven not only by oil and gas but also by new sectors such as green energy, the digital economy and high-technology industries.
“The focus is to increase our per capita income so that it is on par with high-income economies, thereby improving the overall standard of living of the people,” he said.
He said Sarawak’s commitment to science, technology and renewable energy is evident in its aspiration to become the “Battery of ASEAN” through the export of green energy to neighbouring countries, as well as initiatives in the hydrogen economy, including integrated hydrogen production and the use of hydrogen-powered buses.
“Projects related to hydrogen and renewable energy reflect Sarawak’s strong commitment towards green technology and sustainable development. Moreover, the implementation of the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) system is a major step towards a modern, fast, high-capacity and environmentally friendly public transport system for the state,” he said.
On infrastructure development, Wan Junaidi said significant investments continue to be made in upgrading coastal roads, bridges and other road networks, while mega projects such as the new international airport in Tanjung Embang, Samarahan, and the proposed deep-sea port in Kuching are expected to further accelerate economic growth.
Touching on education and healthcare, he said the state government remains focused on improving access to quality education, including the establishment of government-owned international schools and the provision of free tertiary education for Sarawakian students, while also upgrading healthcare facilities, particularly in rural areas.
At the same time, he also highlighted Sarawak’s sound financial management, noting that the state has consistently received an AAA sub-sovereign credit rating with a stable outlook from RAM Ratings and MARC Ratings.
“This high rating is supported by a strong fiscal position and the state government’s track record of prudent financial management has resulted in consistent budget surpluses. Sarawak’s revenue does not rely solely on natural resources such as oil and gas but is also expanded through state sales tax and strategic investments.
“Overall, this excellent credit rating reflects Sarawak’s financial stability, disciplined management and forward-looking economic development strategy. Based on these achievements, Sarawak is moving towards developed-state status by driving economic, infrastructure and social progress in a balanced manner in line with the PCDS 2030 vision,” he added.
