KUCHING, June 1 — Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Johari Tun Openg has called on the people of Sarawak to remain united as the state enters a new phase of development, while extending his Hari Gawai Dayak 2026 greetings to the Dayak community and all Sarawakians.
In his Gawai Dayak message, the Premier said the annual harvest festival is more than a cultural celebration. He described it as a symbol of gratitude, unity, and harmony among Sarawak’s diverse communities.
Abang Johari said Sarawak is fortunate to enjoy peace and stability despite its diverse mix of races, religions, and cultures. He stressed that the spirit of “Segulai Sejalai” continues to serve as the foundation of unity among the people, helping the state move forward together as one family.
The Premier noted that this year’s Gawai celebration carries greater significance as Sarawak begins a new era of transformation through the implementation of the Sarawak Malaysia Plan 2026-2030 under the second phase of the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
He said the state’s goal is to become a prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable developed region by 2030, driven by innovation, technology, data, and highly skilled human capital. Under the development plan, Sarawak is targeting a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of RM282 billion by 2030.
According to Abang Johari, the plan is built around three key principles — Fix, Build, and New. These principles focus on addressing existing limitations, strengthening development efforts, and exploring new opportunities in the global economy.
He highlighted that Sarawak is moving beyond dependence on natural resources such as oil and gas and is now focusing on building a knowledge-based economy powered by innovation and intellectual capability.
The Premier said investment in education remains a top priority. He revealed that 4,694 students have already benefited from the Sarawak Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES), with the number expected to rise to 10,000 by the end of this year.
In addition, Sarawak is investing in advanced talent development through a four-year PhD sponsorship programme by Yayasan Sarawak in collaboration with the University of Bristol in the United Kingdom. The initiative aims to produce highly skilled local experts capable of contributing to the state’s growing technology sector.
Abang Johari also highlighted several major strategic projects that are expected to shape Sarawak’s future economy. Among them is Southeast Asia’s first semiconductor-grade polysilicon plant in Bintulu, which has received support from the International Finance Corporation under the World Bank Group.
He said the Kuching Urban Transportation System’s Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) service is scheduled to begin operations in the fourth quarter of 2026. Once operational, it is expected to position Kuching as a leading model for hydrogen-powered urban transportation in the ASEAN region.
Sarawak is also preparing to enter the aerospace and satellite technology sector through plans to launch a CubeSat nano-satellite by 2030. The satellite will support geolocation services, forestry monitoring, maritime surveillance, disaster management, and earth observation.
To support digital transformation, the state is developing the Kuching AI Data Campus in Tanjung Embang. The large-scale facility is expected to strengthen Sarawak’s digital ecosystem while attracting high-value international investments.
On the industrial front, Abang Johari said Bintulu has achieved international recognition after being named one of only 36 Transitioning Industrial Clusters worldwide by the World Economic Forum. The Bintulu Transitioning Industrial Cluster is scheduled for official launch on June 11, 2026.
The Premier also highlighted the state’s gas industry expansion, noting that Sarawak has exported more than one million metric tonnes of methanol to Asia-Pacific markets since December 2024. He said the state is focusing on downstream industries and value-added manufacturing to create more high-quality jobs and economic opportunities.
Among other major projects outlined were the 500-megawatt Combined Cycle Gas Turbine power plant in Miri, the proposed Tanjung Embang Deep Sea Port, the development of a new international airport, and the launch of AirBorneo’s regional jet operations in July this year.
Abang Johari said Sarawak will continue pursuing green economic policies, including reducing timber exports while promoting planted forest industries that support biomass production and carbon capture initiatives.
In concluding his message, the Premier urged all Sarawakians to preserve unity, stability, and mutual trust, saying these values remain the state’s greatest strengths.
He expressed confidence that with strong leadership and the continued spirit of “Segulai Sejalai,” Sarawak will emerge as a progressive and competitive region not only within ASEAN but also on the global stage.
The Premier ended his message by wishing all those celebrating a meaningful and joyous Hari Gawai, with the traditional greeting, “Gayu Guru, Gerai Nyamai, Lantang Senang Nguan Menua.”
