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Sarawak's Self-reliant Infrastructure Surge Sets It Apart From Federally Dependent Sabah
BUSINESS
Former President of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) Malaysia and vice-president of CILT International for Southeast Asia, Datuk Dr Ramli Amir
By Jailani Hasan
LABUAN, June 25 (Bernama) -- Despite sharing similar geographies and economic aspirations, Sarawak and Sabah have taken markedly different paths in infrastructure development.
Former President of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) Malaysia and vice-president of CILT International for Southeast Asia, Datuk Dr Ramli Amir, said Sarawak has emerged as a model of self-reliance, independently funding large-scale infrastructure projects.
At the same time, Sabah remains heavily dependent on federal allocations, resulting in development delays and fragmented logistics.
'Over the past decade, Sarawak has allocated billions of ringgit toward roads, bridges, ports, and industrial zones, all without resorting to debt or federal funding.
'The state government's fiscal discipline and adoption of innovative financing, including an alternative funding model introduced in 2019, have enabled accelerated infrastructure rollout.
'Sarawak's commitment to strategic financial management is exemplified by the RM11 billion invested in ten bridges, executed without external borrowing,' he said in a statement to Bernama today.
Ramli said the decision to replace the Infrastructure Development Trust Fund with a unified modern financing mechanism highlights the state's focus on project efficiency and accountability.
He added that political stability and a long-term vision have also enabled Sarawak to maintain consistent development through initiatives such as the Coastal Road Network, the Second Trunk Road, deep-seaports, and free industrial zones.
