Sarawak records RM198.7 billion in total trade in 2024, attracts RM106 billion in investments since 2021

KUCHING, Jan 16 2026: Sarawak recorded RM198.7 billion in total trade, with a RM71.1 billion trade surplus, for the year 2024.

Caption: Premier Abang Johari Openg says  that infrastructure remains a key driver of ompetitiveness, stating that better roads improve efficiency and help manage costs. 

Premier Abang Johari Openg said these are are positive indicators, but they arealso a reminder that the state must stay focused, keep improving, and continueearning confidence through delivery.

“We also value sustained investor interest over time,” he said in his speech at Affin Bank’s Chinese New Year dinner here last night.

 His text of speech was read by Deputy Premier Douglas Uggah.

The premier noted that Sarawak attracted RM105.9 billion in investments from 2021 to the third quarter of last year.

 “This confidence matters and it must be strengthened through consistent implementation and practical improvements that businesses and communities can feel,” he added.

He stressed that infrastructure remains a key driver of competitiveness, stating that better roads improve efficiency and help manage costs.

He said stronger ports and logistics widen market access and support trade capacity while reliable networks give businesses the certainty to operate, expand, and innovate.

“That is why connectivity is not just a development item. It is an everydayadvantage,” he said, citing  the Pan Borneo Highway Sarawak Phase 1, as an example.

However, the premier explained that modern economies are not built on physical infrastructure alone, but they are also built on the strength of financial infrastructure.

He said the ability to mobilise capital productively  to support enterprise responsibly, adding that to widen participation so more people and businesses can benefit from growth.

“This is why financial institutions matter. They are not merely service providers. They are partners in building confidence, enabling SMEs to expand, supporting trade and investment activity, and strengthening the resilience of households and communities,” the premier said.