KUCHING: Sarawak secured RM11.2bil in approved investments during the first half of 2026, driven primarily by local investors, says Deputy Premier Datuk Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.
Speaking at the launch of the Sarawak global supply chain and sourcing programme on Tuesday (Sept 29), Awang Tengah revealed that domestic investments accounted for 61% of the total figure. The latest inflow adds to the RM116bil in investments secured across the primary, manufacturing, and services sectors between 2021 and 2025.
However, Awang Tengah emphasized that attracting foreign and domestic capital is only part of the state's economic strategy. The primary goal is to leverage these investments to create high-quality jobs, facilitate technology transfer, and expand market access for local enterprises in line with the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030.
To support this ambition, Sarawak is shifting its focus toward developing competitive industrial ecosystems rather than viewing investments in isolation. Strategic industrial hubs in Kuching, Bintulu, and Miri will be integrated with local businesses offering engineering, logistics, technology, and maintenance services.
"Our objective should not simply be to increase the number of local suppliers," Awang Tengah said. "We want our companies to move progressively up the value chain, from supplying basic goods and services to specialized manufacturing, engineering, technology, design, and other higher-value activities."
He added that the state government will continue expanding infrastructure, industrial parks, utilities, and digital capabilities, while collaborating with federal agencies like Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida), Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade), and InvestSarawak to streamline business expansion.
