KUCHING: The Sarawak Government is diversifying into new economic resources in an effort to secure sufficient funds to develop the region to a higher level.

Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg said the introduction of these new economic resources does not mean that Sarawak will disregard traditional economic resources, but rather reduce its dependence on them.

He said this is a significant move in Sarawak's efforts to vary its financial resources to support development in the region.

"While oil and gas remain significant, we will focus on high-value industries such as biotechnology, aerospace, and cutting-edge manufacturing that are in line with global trends, leveraging the latest technology to enhance Sarawak's competitiveness on the world stage.

"The aerospace industry in particular has enormous growth potential with increasing demand for satellites, drones, and aerospace components.

"Sarawak can leverage its strategic location and growing infrastructure to become a hub for advanced manufacturing and innovation," he said.

Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari said this when delivering his address in conjunction with the ‘Majlis Amanat Perdana Premier Sarawak 2025’ held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching on Monday.

Explaining further, he said the core of this transformation was the region’s commitment to build an integrated supply chain ecosystem to enhance competitiveness.

"The regulatory framework is being simplified to improve the ease of doing business, and significant investments are being made in workforce training and skills upgrading.

"Plans are also being implemented to establish a Free Industrial Zone integrated with port development and create a hub for the aerospace and space industry," he explained.

Meanwhile, he said Sarawak is taking aggressive steps to unlock the full potential of the mining sector by developing upstream and downstream industries to create greater value.

“In June 2024, Sarawak conducted a technical study visit to Canada to better understand the mining ecosystem and adopt best practices in the legal framework, new technologies, and community engagement.

“In addition, the main focus is on the rehabilitation and preservation of abandoned mining sites to integrate sustainable practices into the sector,” he added.

Also present were Sarawak Deputy Premiers, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Amar Professor Dr. Sim Kui Hian, Sarawak Legislative Assembly Speaker, Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nasar, Federal and Sarawak Ministers, Sarawak Secretary, Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Federal and Sarawak Deputy Ministers, Deputy Sarawak Secretaries, Heads of Departments, dignitaries and other guests of honour. -UKASnews