Awang Tengah: Sarawak shifts focus to value-added exports and green energy leadership
KUCHING (July 2): The Sarawak government is actively pursuing value-added growth and is no longer focusing solely on raw commodity exports, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.
The International Trade, Industry and Investment Minister said the state is now laying the foundation for advanced manufacturing, green economy initiatives and digital-based exports as part of a long-term strategy to build a more resilient and innovation-driven economy.
'We are investing in the future, which is in renewable energy, semiconductors and high-value sectors that will position Sarawak as a major economic force in the region.
'Our focus has thus shifted because we want to go beyond exporting crude oil, gas and palm oil,' he said during his keynote address at the launching ceremony of Sarawak Export Day 2025 held at a local hotel here today.
He added that Sarawak is poised to lead the country in green energy development, with active initiatives in hydropower, solar, biomass and hydrogen production.
To support this ambition, Awang Tengah said the state has amended its Electricity Ordinance to allow greater investor participation in boosting generation capacity.
'We have set a clear target in which by 2030, we aim to generate at least 10,000 megawatts of electricity, and by 2035, 15,000 megawatts which will all be from clean and renewable sources,' he said.
Awang Tengah also mentioned that Sarawak will be developed into a hub for semiconductor manufacturing and aerospace economic activities, reflecting the state's shift towards high-technology industries and global competitiveness.
These sectors, he said, offer enormous potential, and Sarawak wants its local players to seize the opportunities and grow alongside global industry leaders.
Commenting on investments, he said the state government's message is clear: investment is the cornerstone of Sarawak's future, not only to boost exports and gross domestic product but also to transform the economic landscape, drive technological advancement, and ensure inclusive prosperity for Sarawakians.
'Since 2021, Sarawak has approved over RM102 billion in investments involving 1,180 projects. These projects are expected to create nearly 23,000 job opportunities and open doors for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to participate in supporting industries,' he said.
To further boost global engagement, Awang Tengah said Sarawak is expanding its international trade network, adding that in addition to existing offices in Singapore and Brunei, a new trade office will soon open in Pontianak, Indonesia.
Also present during the event were Deputy Minister of International Trade, Industry and Investment Datuk Dr Malcolm Mussen Lamoh, Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) chairman Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican and other officials.
Sarawak Export Day 2025 was jointly organised by the Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment Sarawak and Matrade. Awang Tengah export lead sarawak value-added growth
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Free Malaysia Today
9 hours ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Fund native land surveys if PKR's sincere, says Sarawak deputy premier
Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said the Sarawak government has made significant progress since launching a new NCR land survey initiative in 2010. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : Sarawak deputy premier Awang Tengah Ali Hasan has urged the federal government to continue funding native customary right (NCR) land surveys, after PKR deputy president Nurul Izzah Anwar called for these surveys to be expedited. Awang Tengah said the Sarawak government has made significant progress since the launch of the new NCR land survey initiative in 2010, while continued federal support would ensure its momentum. 'Perhaps she is unaware of the developments and the successes we have achieved. If (Nurul Izzah) is truly concerned about this issue, I hope the federal government will continue to provide funding,' he said, according to The Borneo Post. Putrajaya has allocated RM15 million for Sarawak to hold NCR land surveys this year. Awang Tengah said the current approach carried out in two stages – perimeter surveys followed by individual lot surveys – had proven effective and was based on applications from affected communities. Before 2010, land surveys were conducted under various programmes, including resettlement schemes dating back to the 1960s, the Gabungan Parti Sarawak deputy chairman added. He said individual lot surveys begin once the land has been gazetted under the Sarawak Land Code and applications are submitted by landowners. Over 1.2 million hectares of NCR land have been surveyed to date. 'We have already implemented this, and the success has been significant. This is a much faster method,' Awang Tengah said. 'Over more than 50 years, only around 260,000 hectares were surveyed. Compare that to what we have achieved since 2010 – the results have increased many times over,' he said, adding that the Sarawak government allocated RM40 million this year for this initiative. Yesterday, Nurul Izzah called for faster action on land surveys and ownership approvals for native customary land in Sarawak, and a halt to the issuance of new licences on disputed land. Although native customary rights are recognised under federal law and the Sarawak Land Code, a fraction of such land had been formally surveyed and allowed legal ownership, she said. In response, Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap of the Sarawak United People's Party later accused her of trying to exploit Sarawak issues for political gain. Separately, a Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu Youth division leader urged Nurul Izzah to apologise for her statement, claiming it misrepresented the legal and policy framework surrounding NCR land and risked creating unnecessary tension. Piasau PBB Youth chief Aniq Ashwin Abuzar said that Nurul Izzah must speak with accuracy and responsibility as a senior figure of the unity government component, especially on complex matters involving land rights in Sarawak. 'We urge her to refrain from making uninformed remarks and to engage constructively with the Sarawak government and native community leaders before commenting on our internal affairs,' he said.
The Star
a day ago
- The Star
Strengthening Sarawak's export ecosystem
Key dignitaries were among the nearly 300 entrepreneurs and industry players who gathered for Sarawak Export Day 2025 in Kuching. KUALA LUMPUR: The Sarawak Export Day 2025, held at the Imperial Hotel Kuching, concluded with the participation of nearly 300 entrepreneurs and industry players from across the state, reflecting the government's strong commitment to advancing the state's export agenda. This programme was jointly organised by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) and the Sarawak state government through its International Trade, Industry and Investment Ministry (Mintred). The event also received support from strategic partners such as Invest Sarawak Sdn Bhd, Exim Bank and Capital Markets Malaysia. Sarawak Export Day is part of Matrade's ongoing initiative to raise awareness and build the export capabilities of local companies, particularly micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the state, to penetrate international markets. The official launch was officiated by the Sarawak Deputy Premier and Mintred Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan. Also in attendance were Matrade chairman Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican and Matrade board member Datuk Mohammad Medan Abdullah. In conjunction with the programme, two local companies were recognised under Matrade's programme with the Sarawak Best Exporter Award. Iana Corporation Sdn Bhd, a producer of Sarawak layer cakes and biscuits, was awarded Best Exporter in the MSME Category, while Tuong Aik Shipyard Sdn Bhd, a shipbuilding and repair engineering company, received the award in the Mid-Tier Company (MTC) Category. 'Sarawak has high export potential. We are seeing increased participation by companies in Matrade's export development programmes and this must continue to ensure more entrepreneurs in the state can compete globally,' said Reezal Merican. According to Reezal Merican, the organisation of such programmes reflects the Federal Government's strong commitment to building a more inclusive and resilient export ecosystem. He noted that Sarawak is now on a solid path toward export development, with growing participation of companies in Matrade's programmes. 'Sarawak has high export potential. We are seeing increased participation by companies in Matrade's export development programmes and this must continue to ensure more entrepreneurs in the state can compete globally,' he added. Reezal Merican also emphasised that Matrade will continue to serve as a facilitator for exporters through business matching initiatives, export promotion and capacity building. 'From 2024 to May 2025, a total of 382 companies from Sarawak were supported under Matrade's export development and promotion programmes, generating nearly RM1bil in export value,' he added. The state-level Export Day serves as an important platform to strengthen public-private collaboration in driving export growth. Key activities over the two days included engagement sessions, business matching, export clinics and technical briefings involving government agencies and financial institutions. Following Sarawak, Matrade will continue its Export Day series in other states, including Selangor and Negeri Sembilan, scheduled for August 2025. This effort is part of a national initiative to broaden local companies' participation in global markets while supporting the country's export growth in an inclusive and sustainable manner.
Borneo Post
a day ago
- Borneo Post
Nanta backs Premier's Sandhurst initiative, explore revival of Sarawak Rangers
Describing the initiative as a commendable step, Nanta said it provides valuable opportunities for Sarawakian students, especially those aspiring to serve in security and defence roles. KUCHING (July 2): It is timely and necessary to explore the revival of the Sarawak Rangers as the state's own internal security corps, said Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi. He stressed, however, that such a move should not be misunderstood as an attempt to create a rival to the Malaysian Army. 'It is purely to complement the national security forces especially to ensure internal security of Sarawak is best looked after,' he said in a Facebook post today, responding to an announcement by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg on during the Sarawak Security and Enforcement (UPKS) 8th anniversary dinner on Tuesday. Abang Johari had said the Sarawak government plans to offer scholarships for Sarawakians interested in security careers to pursue studies at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom to cultivate a pool of talent and expertise that can serve in various agencies, including the police, military, and UPKS. Describing the initiative as a commendable step, Nanta said it provides valuable opportunities for Sarawakian students, especially those aspiring to serve in security and defence roles. Apart from that, it would also enrich and prepare them to be well qualified leaders of the future. Students at the British Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst. – AFP 'Students at The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst do not just learn military theories and strategies, but also on how to become well qualified leaders duly inculcated with cultures of high discipline, integrity, accountability and all the good virtues of leadership. 'Therefore it is timely and appropriate for such a move. Once again, the Premier has come up with a brilliant idea – an idea that definitely can enable Sarawak to become a truly developed and a progressive state where the business of running the government is well grounded based on universal virtues of 'what is right, is right and, what is wrong, is wrong'. 'Meaning, (the) governance will be proper, upholding the basic principles of fairness, merits, conscience, inclusive, irrespective of colour, creed, race or religion,' he said.
