SIBU, July 11 2026: The Sibu Economic Forum Authority has been proposed to drive economic growth in Sibu and the central zone of Sarawak through a more structured approach focused on investment and job creation.
Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Dr Annuar Rapaee said that while physical development in Sibu continues to be enhanced through various state government infrastructure projects, the town now requires a dedicated body focusing on economic development to spur business and industrial activities.
“Sibu needs more economic activities to create quality job opportunities. We do not want to continue losing talent when many Sibu-born youths migrate to work outside Sarawak and overseas.
“For this reason, I propose that a Sibu Economic Forum Authority be established to plan and implement an economic agenda that can transform Sibu into a new growth hub in the central zone of Sarawak,” he said at the Sarawak Ku Sayang (SKS) Sibu 2026 programme officiated by Premier Abang Johari Openg today.
According to Dr Annuar, Sibu’s strategic location enables the town to be developed into a food industry and logistics hub supplying needs throughout Sarawak, while stimulating the growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and attracting new investments.
“This body will not only plan but also implement economic activities ranging from SMEs to larger industries to provide employment opportunities. Sibu will then grow at a faster pace compared with other areas due to its strategic location.
“If we have a large food industry, Sibu can become a food supply hub for the whole of Sarawak,” he added.
He also highlighted the issue of brain drain, which has become increasingly evident as many Sibu-born individuals choose to build their careers outside the state. This could expose the town to the risk of an ageing population if quality employment opportunities are not expanded.
In a related development, Dr Annuar praised the leadership of the Sarawak Premier for successfully introducing various transformative policies over nearly a decade, particularly in the education sector.
He said policies such as the use of English as the medium of instruction for Science and Mathematics, free higher education at Sarawak government-owned institutions, and the establishment of state-owned international schools were strategic measures to produce globally competitive human capital.
He added that the approach had also received recognition from world-class economists, who viewed Sarawak as being on the right path through its four key pillars — economy, energy, environment and education.
Besides that, Dr Annuar said various infrastructure projects, including new roads, alternative routes, the redevelopment of Kampung Datu and the Kemuyang housing project, demonstrated the Sarawak Government’s continuous commitment towards improving the people’s well-being and strengthening Sibu’s development.
He hoped the people’s support for the Sarawak Premier’s leadership would continue so that the state’s development, education and economic agendas could be implemented continuously for the prosperity of all Sarawakians.
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