Premier confident S’wak can achieve RM282 bln GDP target, generate RM400 bln economic spillover

By Dayangku Hidayatul

KUCHING, Nov 7: Sarawak is looking towards a stronger economic future, with Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg expressing confidence that the State can achieve its RM282 billion gross domestic product (GDP) target, while major investments could generate up to RM400 billion in economic spillover.

He said proposed investments, particularly in emerging sectors such as microchips and other next-generation industries, would create significant opportunities to strengthen Sarawak’s economy and accelerate its growth.

“I am confident that we can achieve our target gross domestic product (GDP) of RM282 billion.

“If we can realise the proposed investments and continue implementing our policies effectively, we will be able to achieve that target,” he said when officiating at the Ministry of Energy and Environmental Sustainability (MEESTY) Appreciation Night 2026 and launching of Sarawak Net Zero Strategy and Carbon Plan at a hotel last night (Nov 6).

Abang Johari said representatives from two sovereign wealth funds, one from Canada and another from China, had met him earlier in the day to explore potential investments in data centres.

However, he stressed that Sarawak remained selective in attracting data centre investments, prioritising projects that could create employment opportunities and deliver tangible benefits to the people.

He said the representatives had studied Sarawak’s policies and expressed interest in exploring investment opportunities in high-technology and next-generation industries.

Citing SoftBank’s proposed RM50 billion investment, Abang Johari said Sarawak still had more than RM200 billion in investment opportunities to realise, with the potential to generate significant economic spillover.

He estimated that the wider economic impact could reach about RM400 billion, based on the multiplier effect of investment activities.

The Premier also emphasised that economic growth must go hand in hand with environmental protection, noting that Sarawak’s balanced development approach had gained recognition among international investors and other countries.

He added that human capital development remained a priority, with free education introduced to equip Sarawakians with the knowledge and skills needed to drive economic growth.

“We already have the resources. We must add value to our resources while developing our people. Once these elements are in place, I believe our economy will be on the right track,” he said.

He also reminded Sarawakians not to overlook the potential of Tanjung Embang as the State continues to pursue its long-term economic ambitions. — DayakDaily

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