Sarawak is planning to take over more strategic federal government assets and entities as part of efforts to strengthen the state’s economy under the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030), Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said.
He said the move is aimed at expanding Sarawak’s economic influence while creating more high-skilled job opportunities for locals, particularly in technology-driven and emerging industries.
According to Abang Johari, Sarawak has already taken over several major strategic assets from the federal government over the past six years, including the Bakun Dam, Bintulu Port and MASwings.
“We are also establishing Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros), we are taking over equity in Affin Bank and becoming its largest shareholder, and we intend to take over many more,” he said during the Sarawak-level Workers’ Day celebration at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching on Saturday.
He said Sarawak’s economic expansion under PCDS 2030 would pave the way for new employment opportunities across various sectors.
Abang Johari added that the state is currently undergoing a major economic transformation towards a high-technology economy centred on renewable energy, automation, artificial intelligence (AI), digitalisation and the semiconductor industry.
He said Sarawak would require a larger pool of skilled and professional workers in sectors such as aerospace, digital technology and semiconductor chip manufacturing to support the state’s future growth plans.
