PETALING JAYA: Sarawak will establish the Sibu Economic Zone (SEZ) with an allocation of RM1.5bil to coordinate Sibu’s economic development in a more comprehensive and integrated manner, says Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
When announcing the matter yesterday, he said the Sarawak state government had, in principle, agreed to establish a special agency to drive Sibu’s more complex economic development by engaging diverse sectors, rather than focusing on just certain aspects.
“I have agreed to establish an agency, the SEZ, as its economic development is quite complex. For a start, I will include an allocation of RM1.5bil in the new state budget,” he said during a press conference after officiating the Sarawakku Sayang 2026 Programme for Sibu Division in Sibu.
Abang Johari said the proposed SEZ aimed to coordinate Sibu’s economic development more systematically by focusing on attracting investment, strengthening the service sector, and creating more high-value job opportunities.
He also said the Second Trunk Road project, scheduled for completion in 2029, is expected to be a catalyst for Sibu’s development, as it would shorten travel time between Kuching and Sibu to about two hours.
He said the improved land link would make Sibu more attractive to industries. — Bernama
