Sarawak is on right track to become one of Malaysia's strongest economies by 2030, says Abang Johari

BETONG, Aug 1 2026: Premier Abang Johari Openg believed that Sarawak is on the right track to emerge as one of the strongest economies in Malaysia by 2030 through the implementation of policies focusing on infrastructure development, high-technology economy, education and human capital development.

Caption: Premier Abang Johari Openg says Sarawak now is  fourth economies in Malaysia

He said the state government has drawn up various strategic initiatives to ensure the state continues to grow sustainably, thereby improving the standard of living of the people throughout the state.

"In terms of the economy, we are among the top five in Malaysia. Besides Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Johor and Labuan, we are in fourth place.

"I think, by 2030, if our planning is right, our position will improve, overtaking either Johor or Selangor," he said when speaking at the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Betong Zone Special Convention today.

Touching on infrastructure development, he said various large-scale projects are being implemented, including the construction of bridges and roads that will transform connectivity in central and coastal Sarawak.

He said new road network projects, including the construction of major bridges, would shorten travel time between areas such as Betong, Saratok, Spaoh and surrounding areas, thereby spurring rural economic growth.

"Money needs to be found, and we are thankful that our revenue has increased from RM7 billion to RM14 billion.

"This is our development performance.

"All this requires substantial spending, but strong state financial management has enabled Sarawak to carry out these projects using its own financial resources," he said.

On the future economy, Abang Johari said Sarawak continues to focus on clean energy development, particularly hydrogen, as an environmentally friendly alternative energy source.

He said the state government's early investment in hydrogen technology has now placed Sarawak among the world's leaders in hydrogen economy development, earning international recognition.

He said the state government allocates hundreds of millions of ringgit annually to finance higher education in order to produce a highly skilled workforce capable of meeting the needs of the new economy.

Also present were Deputy Premiers Douglas Uggah Embas and Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, Sarawak Legislative Assembly Speaker  Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar, PBB Supreme Council members, delegates and PBB members from the 14 branches of Betong Zone.

Plots of federal land in central zone will be developed for housing, infrastructure and agriculture once they are returned to the state, assures premier

BETONG, Aug 1 2026:  Plots of federal land in central zone will be developed for housing, infrastructure and agriculture once they are returned to the state, Premier Abang Johari Openg assured here today, saying that the state government has prepared a comprehensive plan for the development of the federal land.

Caption: Premier and PBB president Abang Johari Openg speaking to reporters after PBB Betong Zone Special Convention

He said any federal land which has not been developed within five after it has been alienated to the federal government will have to be returned to the state.

He said this was reached during negotiations at the Technical Committee meeting under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 Implementation Action Council (MA63IAC).

The premier said the plots of land would be fully utilised to generate development and improve the wellbeing of the people.

"We do want to develop the areas in central zone covering Sibu, Song and Kanowit with an allocation of RM1.5 billion.

"Firstly, the longhouses in the areas are too congested and the roads are not very good.

"From an agricultural industry perspective, it can also be developed.

"A plan has been submitted by the Mid Rajang Development Agency (MiRRDA), chaired by Aaron Ago Dagang, and the officer coordinating it is former Sarawak State Secretary Jaul Samion.

“He is the economist tasked with developing the longhouses there," he said.

He said this at a press conference after the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Betong Zone Special Convention today.

He explained that among the key components of the development plan are the provision of more organised housing areas, upgrading of the road network, and expansion of high-impact agricultural activities to stimulate local economic growth.

In other developments, the premier said development in the central zone continues to record progress through the implementation of various infrastructure projects, modernisation of the agricultural sector, strengthening of the tourism industry and adoption of technology.

He added that the successful export of tilapia to Singapore demonstrates the great potential of Sarawak's agrofood sector, while improvements to logistics facilities, including the Bebuling Short Take-Off and Landing Port (STOLport), are expected to strengthen the supply chain and expand export markets.

"In Batang Ai, today we are able to export tilapia to Singapore. This certainly reflects a success in that field.

"And with the connectivity network in terms of roads as well as the Bebuling STOLport, this produce can continue to be marketed," he said.

He also stressed that efforts to nurture more talent in science, technology and innovation will continue to be strengthened through initiatives such as the Sarawak Science Centre to support the state's development agenda.

Also present were  Deputy Premiers Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, and other PBB leaders

Water supply to the affected Simunjan area to resume later today

SIMUNJAN, August 1 2026: Water supply to Simunjan area is expected to resume after the repair work on the pipe leak on Jalan Gedong–Simunjan is expected to be completed late this evening.

Caption: A lorry ferrying tanks filled with water for the affected Simunjan area 

 Simunjan State Legislative Member (SLM) Awla Dris, through his official Facebook page, said that the Simunjan Water Treatment Plant  (SWTP) has not been able to operate fully since July 28 due to the water level at the inlet being at a critical level.

Following this situation, the water supply to  Simunjan area is currently dependent entirely on the Serian plant for the supply through the pipe at Gedong booster pump.

However, on July 31, a pipe leak occurred on Jalan Gedong–Simunjan which was caused by the contractor's dredging and cleaning of the ditch.

Repair work is currently underway and is expected to be completed late this evening.

Once the repair is completed, the water supply from the Serian plant is expected to be distributed continuously again to the Simunjan area, thus helping to restore supply to the affected residents.

Meanwhile, the demand for water supply delivery using tanker trucks is currently high following the supply disruptions that occurred in the area.

The water distribution is being made to meet the needs of the affected residents, including intensifying the delivery of water supply to areas that are still experiencing disruptions.

To assist in this effort, the Samarahan Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB) has also taken the initiative to borrow water barrels from JBALB Kuching.

A total of 16 water barrels have been borrowed so far for the use of residents in Simunjan.

In addition to the delivery of water supplies, JBALB Samarahan is also in the process of providing centralized water tanks at several strategic locations that have been identified to make it easier for residents to obtain supplies.

For areas that are still affected, water supply deliveries are being actively implemented while pipe repair work is completed.

The JBALB is committed to addressing the disruptions as best as possible and ensuring that the water supply in the Simunjan area returns to stability in the near future.

The cooperation and patience of the residents throughout the water supply disruption period is greatly appreciated.