SIBU, July 22 – Sarawak is positioning itself as the “Bavaria of Malaysia”, with Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Abang Openg outlining an ambitious vision to transform the state into a regional hub for clean energy, advanced manufacturing and high-technology industries.

Speaking at the Sarawak Day 2026 celebration at Dataran Tun Tuanku Haji Bujang, Abang Johari said the state’s long-term economic strategy is focused on innovation, sustainability and value-added industries that will strengthen Sarawak’s competitiveness in Southeast Asia.

Drawing a comparison with Germany’s industrial powerhouse of Bavaria, he said Sarawak is steadily moving away from an economy reliant on crude oil exports towards one that produces high-value, technology-driven products powered by renewable energy.

A major milestone in that transformation is the commencement of PETROS’ first oil production in Marudi, which is producing about 800 barrels of oil per day, equivalent to approximately 24,000 barrels each month. The project is expected to support the development of Sarawak’s downstream ammonia and blue hydrogen industries, reinforcing the state’s ambition to become a clean energy leader.

Abang Johari also announced that AirBorneo has launched scheduled flights between Kuching and Kuala Lumpur, as well as Kuching and Singapore. A direct service linking Kuching and Jakarta is expected to begin within the next two months, enhancing regional connectivity and creating new opportunities for trade, tourism and investment.

Looking ahead, he said Sarawak’s electricity generation capacity is expected to increase to 10 gigawatts by 2030, providing sufficient energy to power future industrial expansion and attract strategic investments in advanced manufacturing.

The Sarawak Day 2026 celebration attracted around 10,000 visitors, reflecting growing public enthusiasm for the state’s development agenda under the Sarawak Maju Makmur vision.

The event was graced by the Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, and his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi.

Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin said Sarawak Day is more than an annual celebration, describing it as a historic occasion marking the beginning of Sarawak’s self-administration.

He also announced that new buses will be introduced in Sibu to replace ageing vehicles, following the successful rollout of the Smart Bus service in Miri.

Among those present were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof, Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and Datuk Amar Professor Dr Sim Kui Hian, Speaker of the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar, members of the Sarawak Cabinet, state assembly members, senior government officials and community leaders.

Source – Jabatan Penerangan Sarawak Facebook (Mohamad Norhasmin)

Photo credit – Jabatan Penerangan Sarawak (Lance Dunstan)