KUCHING: Sarawak’s strong economic performance, particularly in its tourism sector, has been highlighted as a major contributor to Malaysia’s first services surplus in 14 years.
Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap said the state played a decisive role in the surplus recently announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
“While the federal government has credited fiscal discipline for the RM 0.7 bil services surplus, the first in 14 years, it is Sarawak’s exceptional economic performance, particularly in tourism, that has been a key driver.
“In the first three quarters of 2025, Sarawak welcomed over 3.2 mil visitors, generating an estimated RM 8.18 bil in tourism receipts,” he said in a statement on Tuesday (Nov 18).
He said the surge in arrivals strengthened Malaysia’s travel services exports, the largest component of the services account, and contributed directly to the national surplus.
Yap added that strategic investment, infrastructure upgrades, and sustained tourism promotion under the GPS government had powered this achievement and deserved national recognition.
He also called on the federal government to acknowledge Sarawak’s vital contribution.
“Based on estimates, Sarawak’s tourism contribution accounts for approximately eight per cent of Malaysia’s travel services exports and roughly three per cent of total services receipts, highlighting its critical role in generating the services surplus,” he said.
Yap said that while fiscal discipline remained important, the state’s progress reflected the hard work and vision of Sarawak’s leaders and people, positioning Sarawak as an economic force supporting the nation.
