Deputy Premier: Sarawak manufacturing sector secures RM681 mln investments in Q1 2025

Borneo Post

28-05-2025

Awang Tengah delivers his ministerial winding-up speech during the State Legislative Assembly sitting today, – Penerangan photo
KUCHING (May 28): Sarawak's manufacturing sector received RM681 million in investments across 24 projects in the first quarter (Q1) of 2025, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.
The International Trade, Industry and Investment Minister said this is expected to create more than 900 jobs through the investments which focused on electrical and electronics (mobile energy storage, charging and robotics) which accounted for RM75 million; manufacturing related services (warehousing) at RM20 million; and non-metallic mineral products (cement and concrete) at RM16 million.
Awang Tengah, who delivered his ministerial winding-up speech at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Sitting today, told the august House that Sarawak has continued to attract investors due to its political stability, rich natural resources, strategic location and investor-friendly policies where the government fosters a conducive business environment through incentives, regulatory support and infrastructure development.
'Last year, 115 manufacturing and related services projects were approved, with over 65 per cent successfully implemented, reflecting strong investment facilitation.
'Ongoing industrial infrastructure investments, including industrial parks, logistics and digital connectivity, reinforce Sarawak's long-term growth and competitiveness, positioning Sarawak as a prime destination for investors seeking stability and strategic market access,' he said.
He said investor confidence remained robust, as reflected in the substantial reinvestments of RM6.8 billion within the manufacturing sector, primarily in chemical and basic metal.
'This underscore strong investors' confidence in Sarawak's current business environment and affirms Sarawak's growing reputation as a competitive and reliable investment destination.'
He also said that Sarawak's push for renewable energy, especially solar power, has gained strong investor interest with leading potential investors from Abu Dhabi, China and Singapore actively exploring opportunities through feasibility assessments.
'The 2023 amendment to the Electricity Ordinance has paved the way for increased investment in low-carbon power generation, bolstering the region's commitment to sustainable energy solutions.
'This initiative expands renewable energy capacity to meet investors' growing demand, ensuring a more reliable, scalable and resilient energy supply to support long-term business growth,' he said.
As part of these efforts, he said his ministry recently organised Sarawak Connects in London to promote and attract investment, focusing on semiconductors, renewable and sustainable energy.
Awang Tengah said the government is also actively streamlining regulatory processes, reducing bureaucracy and improving policy transparency to boost business efficiency to further enhance the state's investment appeal.
'We are adopting a whole-of-government approach to ensure a unified and strategic advancement of Sarawak's development priorities.
'Concurrently, we are addressing critical gaps in the investment ecosystem, including upgrading key infrastructure and investing in talent development to better align with the industry's needs.
'These efforts reaffirm our commitment to position Sarawak as a preferred destination for high-quality investments now and in the years to come,' he said.