According to Sarawak chief minister Abang Johari, the long-term plan aims to tackle the aftermath of the pandemic by transforming the state’s economic structure.

This, he said, will be achieved by increasing upstream and downstream operations to aid the primary and secondary sectors for the long-term, as well as modernising and increasing efficiency through digital and physical connectivity.

During the launch of PCDS 2030 on July 22 in conjunction with Sarawak Day, he explained that the state aims to increase its household income by creating more job opportunities, promoting entrepreneurship, and prioritising environmental sustainability.

“In addition, Sarawak aspires to become a developed state by 2030, a thriving society driven by data and innovation, where everyone enjoys economic prosperity, social inclusivity and a sustainable environment,” he said, according to the New Straits Times.

Six key industries

Abang Johari said PCDS 2030 is anchored on six key sectors to accelerate economic growth, namely tourism, commercial agriculture, manufacturing, forestry, mining and social services.

He also said Sarawak would be positioned as the preferred investment destination, especially for high-value downstream activities of resource and non-resource-based sectors in the manufacturing sector.

As for agriculture, they will focus on projects that capitalise on modern farming and global partnerships.

“We also want to become a leading destination for eco-tourism and business events in the Asean region, driven by empowered communities to conserve heritage, culture and biodiversity, besides promoting investment and developing tourism by 2030.”

According to Abang Johari, the goal for forestry is to be internationally recognised in sustainable management for its tropical forests and biodiversity conservation efforts, while also boosting the growth of the timber industry.

Oil and gas upstream activities, which provide the feedstock for the petrochemical industry in Bintulu, are what drive the mining industry in Sarawak.

He went on to state that Sarawak will delve into mineral resources such as silica sand, rare earth elements and kaolin clay for high-value downstream operations.

For social services, they hope to provide Sarawakians with high-living standards within an inclusive society, along with affordable and innovative service delivery.

The development of the six economic sectors will position the state as a desirable investment destination, said Abang Johari.

As a result, the state’s gross domestic product (GDP) is projected to increase from RM21 billion in 2020, to RM61.5 billion in 2030 via private investments.

“There will be an additional 200,000 high-paying jobs created, making a total employment of 1.5 million by 2030, thus increasing opportunities for youths to secure jobs with pathways for career advancement,” he said.

“Various education and human capital development initiatives will ensure that our people are equipped with the right skills for the jobs created to increase their income.

“As such, the monthly median household income is projected to rise from RM4,544 in 2019 to RM15,047 in 2030,” he added.

Speaking on enhancing social inclusivity, Abang Johari said that it can be achieved with greater economic urban-rural integration, capacity building and community participation.

He added that environmental sustainability can be improved with the Sarawak Sustainable Environment Blueprint.

The blueprint would cover both green and blue economy initiatives such as climate action, forestry, financing, water and land use, and green cities and mobility.

The first phase of PCDS 2030, said Abang Johari, will be implemented under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) and beyond until 2025.

“The Sarawak GPS government has committed an estimated RM63 billion to implement PCDS 2030 under 12MP, whereby RM30 billion will come from direct development expenditure and RM33 billion from alternative funding,” he said.

“In line with the strategic thrusts of PCDS 2030, public capital spending will be on areas that yield the most economic, social and environmental impact.

“Our focus is to develop basic infrastructure, namely roads and bridges, water and electricity supply, and telecommunication network.

“This will provide the foundation to leapfrog into the second phase of PCDS 2030, which is driven by talent, skills and innovation,” he added.

This article is sponsored.