SARAWAK is fully committed to strengthening its economic landscape to support local businesses, drive industrial growth, and create a favourable environment for investors.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg announced a total allocation of RM3.1 million for capacity-building programs to equip small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with skills in entrepreneurship, technical knowledge, digital marketing, and product promotion.
The initiative is part of the state’s efforts to enhance the competitiveness of local businesses and support SME growth.
In a bid to boost entrepreneurship in rural and remote areas, the state government introduced the Anjung Usahawan Development Programme, which will receive RM8.4 million.
The programme aims to establish 18 entrepreneurship centers throughout Sarawak, reflecting the government’s commitment to fostering a competitive and inclusive local economy.
The state government is also continuing financial assistance initiatives, such as the Special Relief Fund and the Sarawak Recovery BizFund, to support local entrepreneurs, micro-traders, and startups.
And RM15.5 million in soft loans and grants will be allocated in 2025 for various programs, including the Skim Kredit Mikro Sarawak, Skim Pinjaman Industri Kecil dan Sederhana, Programme Graduan ke Arah Keusahawanan, and the GoDigital Programme.
In alignment with its sustainability goals, the state is introducing the Sustainable Development Financing Scheme with an allocation of RM50 million, implemented through the Development Bank of Sarawak (DBOS).
The scheme will finance decarbonisation and green transition initiatives, with DBOS initially offering loan facilities to eligible borrowers focused on small-scale sustainability projects utilizing technological innovation.
“For larger-scale financing, DBOS may collaborate with other established financial institutions to drive access to sizable green or sustainable finance,” Abang Johari said when tabling the Sarawak Budget ‘25 in the State Legislative Assembly today.
Sarawak’s industrialisation efforts will also receive a boost, with RM40 million allocated for the development of 14 industrial estates across the state in 2025.
Key projects include the Sibu Industrial Estate, Bau Industrial Area, Limbang Industrial Park, Samalaju SME Cluster, and Rantau Panjang Industrial Estate Phase II. These estates aim to attract large-scale production and export activities with high-quality infrastructure and incentives, further enhancing Sarawak’s industrial ecosystem.
As part of the state’s push to position itself in the high-tech sector, RM5 million has been allocated for a high-tech industrial park in Kuching dedicated to semiconductor and advanced manufacturing.
The park will drive innovation in semiconductor manufacturing, design, and research and development (R&D), aiming to attract leading R&D players from Europe and the USA, positioning Sarawak as a global hub for advanced technologies.
With a focus on enhancing competitiveness, expanding industrial infrastructure, and promoting sustainable practices, Sarawak is setting a strategic course to become a prime investment destination and a centre for SME development.
“These forward-looking policies are expected to spur economic growth, generating significant spill-over effects for the state’s domestic economy,” Abang Johari added.
