We Are Opportunity-Rich - Sarawak Premier Launches Ambitious 13MP Transformation Plan

KUCHING / 20/10/2025

KUCHING, 20 October 2025 — Sarawak is entering a new era of transformation as the Premier of Sarawak, The Right Honourable Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, launched the Sarawak 13th Malaysia Plan (2026–2030) at the Sarawak Economic Conference 2025, held in Kuching today.

The plan built on the foundation of the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, charts Sarawak’s course toward becoming a high-income, sustainable, and globally competitive state by the end of the decade.

“The 13th Malaysia Plan is our bridge between today and 2030, that aligns our economic ambitions, social priorities, and environmental commitments into one shared vision; a Sarawak that is resilient, competitive, compassionate, and sustainable,” the Premier declared in his keynote address.

He further highlighted that Sarawak’s economy has demonstrated remarkable resilience, whereby revenue has almost doubled from RM7.6 billion in 2021 to RM14.2 billion in 2024, underscoring the government’s fiscal discipline and effective management. The World Bank’s recognition of Sarawak as a high-income region in 2023 affirmed the state’s progress and diversification.

Building on this foundation, the 13MP sets bold targets to double the size of the state’s economy from RM148.2 billion in 2024 to RM282 billion by 2030, with a median household income target of RM15,000. 

“We are no longer just resource-rich, we are opportunity-rich,” the Premier said. 

He added, “our transformation is anchored on clear policies, green transition, and credible leadership.”

Energy transformation remains central to Sarawak’s growth strategy. The state aims to expand its renewable energy capacity to 10 gigawatts by 2030 and 15 gigawatts by 2035, with over 60 percent of current power generation already derived from hydropower. 

Through initiatives such as the Bintulu Transitioning Industrial Cluster (TIC) and hydrogen-based industries, Sarawak is positioning itself as the “Battery of ASEAN;" a regional hub for clean and sustainable energy.

The Premier also unveiled plans to strengthen Sarawak’s industrial and digital sectors. Through the Sarawak Semiconductor Initiative in partnership with the UK’s CSA Catapult, the state will develop a full semiconductor value chain from chip design to packaging, supported by AI and smart manufacturing technologies.

By 2030, 30,000 SMEs are expected to adopt digital platforms, and 45,000 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) will benefit from entrepreneurship and innovation programmes, integrating local businesses into global value chains.

“Digital transformation will be the heartbeat of Sarawak’s economy that drives competitiveness, inclusion, and sustainable innovation,” he said.

To ensure that the 13MP delivers on its promises, ministries and agencies will develop detailed action plans, with performance-based monitoring and results-based budgeting to ensure accountability.

“Better execution means better outcomes, and better lives for all Sarawakians,” the Premier stated.

As Sarawak enters this new chapter, the Premier called for unity, innovation, and shared responsibility to build a stronger future for all.

“Transformation is a continuous journey; each generation carries the work forward. Together, we will build a Sarawak that is not only strong and prosperous, but also green, inclusive, and future-ready.”

The Sarawak Economic Conference 2025, themed “Transforming for a Sustainable and Competitive Future,” served as a key platform for policymakers, industry leaders, and investors to explore collaborative strategies to propel Sarawak’s growth and global competitiveness under the 13th Malaysia Plan.