KUCHING: A Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) lawmaker has hit back at recent remarks by Pending Assemblywoman, Violet Yong Wui Wui, who alleged that Sarawak is not ready for foreign investors, calling her comments baseless.
Kota Sentosa Assemblyman, Wilfred Yap Sau Sin, said he was truly disappointed by Yong’s claims that were published in a news portal.
“As a Sarawakian herself, she should be proud of Sarawak’s achievements rather than undermining them with sweeping generalisations,” he said in a statement.
Yap then cited statistics to counter Yong’s assertions, saying that Sarawak secured RM116 billion in approved investments between 2020 and 2024, of which 60 per cent were foreign direct investments (FDI).
“In 2023 alone, the state recorded RM22.8 billion in new investments spanning high-tech, green energy, and advanced manufacturing sectors,” he said.
He added that over RM9.3 billion in foreign projects are currently progressing on the ground, while industrial land is available at highly competitive rates.
“Sarawak offers reliable, renewable energy at tariffs up to 73 per cent lower than regional competitors.
“Fully operational zones like Sama Jaya Free Industrial Zone are hosting multinational companies right now,” he said.
Yap also pointed to the establishment of InvestSarawak, an initiative with RM7 million in annual funding that serves as a one-stop centre for investors, helping to cut red tape and speed up approvals through cross-agency coordination.
He dismissed claims that investors were pulling out of Sarawak, saying the facts paint a different picture.
“The facts show growing reinvestment and confidence in Sarawak’s stability and pro-business policies. Investors don’t pour billions into a place that is unready,” he said.
Yap further stated that Sarawak’s rising income, as outlined in the state budget, is evidence that the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS)-led government’s policies are bearing fruit and delivering real results for the people.
“Sarawak has also been recognised by the World Bank as having achieved high-income status, demonstrating that our policies are lifting Sarawak to greater heights,” he said.
He said that the state, under GPS, is building real infrastructure and jobs instead of politicising progress.
“If Yong genuinely received complaints, she should channel them responsibly through proper channels instead of discouraging investment in her own state,” he said.
He then urged all Sarawakians, including Yong, to set aside political divisions and unite to defend Sarawak’s progress and reputation.
“As Sarawakians, we have a duty to protect our state’s hard-earned reputation and not allow baseless claims to undermine investor confidence.
“We must work together as one to attract investors and create opportunities for our people, not to chase them away with unfounded negativity.
“While no government or society is perfect, we must soldier on in unity and solidarity to keep moving forward.
“Let us speak with one voice, anchored in facts, to show the world that Sarawak is ready, capable, and determined to lead.
“Together, we will drive forward development that benefits every community and secures a brighter future for our state,” he said.
