SINGAPORE: Sarawak aims to reach its economic ‘tipping point’ by 2030 in line with its goal of becoming a high-income State and a key economic player in the ASEAN region, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
According to a TVS news report, Abang Johari said that Sarawak’s economy is currently in the pre-modern or pre-industrial phase, moving toward maturity based on the Kuznets Curve theory.
“The State is now developing, and our focus is on striking a balance between economic growth and environmental sustainability,” he said.
He said this when delivering his address to Sarawak civil servants during the Sarawak Civil Service (SCS) One Team Retreat (OTR) 2025 in Singapore today.
Abang Johari said the State’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has grown to RM142 billion compared to about RM90 billion previously, with a target of RM280 billion by 2030.
“To achieve that, the government and civil servants must work together as one team with a clear direction. We already have our GPS; what remains is for us to follow the coordinates with discipline,” he said.
He added that Sarawak has the potential to become a major economic player not only within Malaysia but also across ASEAN, particularly through its capacity to supply energy to the regional grid, and its strategic role in the power and gas industries.
“Sarawak can be a key player in the ASEAN economy. We must always be innovative and forward-thinking,” he said.
Abang Johari also emphasised that Sarawak’s long-term vision extends beyond achieving developed status within Malaysia, aiming instead to be recognised as an influential regional economy.
“We are no longer in a relationship like Bulgaria to Germany, or Sarawak to Malaysia, but Sarawak to ASEAN. This is our new direction,” he said.
With its abundant natural resources, disciplined workforce, and long-term strategic planning, Abang Johari expressed confidence that Sarawak will achieve developed and high-income state status by 2030 in line with the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
