BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Trade relations between Sarawak and Brunei Darussalam continue to flourish, with total trade between the two regions reaching RM3.39 billion in 2024.

This achievement reflects investors’ sustained confidence in Sarawak’s economic potential, both regionally and internationally.

Sarawak Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, said the figure highlights the increasingly dynamic economic relationship between Sarawak and Brunei Darussalam, compared to Sarawak’s total external trade value of RM198.7 billion in the same year.

He noted that the consistent increase in trade value demonstrates the strength of economic cooperation between both sides, reinforcing the belief that Sarawak remains a strategic investment destination, not only at the national level but also internationally.

“Sarawak is among the most popular investment destinations in Malaysia, and we continue to promote sustainable and innovative investments that will bring significant benefits to our people and to the nation’s economy as a whole,” he said.

He made these remarks at the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) Signing Ceremony for the Rimbunan Kaseh Sundar Project in Lawas, held at the Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office in Brunei Darussalam (STATOB) on Tuesday.

The MoA was signed between LCDA Agri Business Sdn. Bhd. and Sahamada Corporation Sdn. Bhd., witnessed by Datuk Amar Awang Tengah and Brunei Darussalam’s Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism, Dato Seri Setia Dr. Abdul Manaf Metussin.

Datuk Amar Awang Tengah, who also serves as the Minister for International Trade, Industry and Investment, added that Brunei Darussalam is strategically positioned as a gateway to larger markets, while Sarawak offers abundant natural resources and a skilled workforce.

“Brunei has a robust business ecosystem and a stable financial policy. Sarawak, on the other hand, is rich in natural resources, has a well-trained workforce, and enjoys strong political stability. Together, we can drive greater economic growth,” he elaborated.

Beyond trade, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah also emphasised the vast potential for cooperation in green energy, in line with both parties’ commitment to sustainability and renewable energy, sectors gaining increasing global attention.

He stressed that collaboration between Brunei Darussalam and Malaysia, particularly Sarawak, should be expanded into new sectors that hold high economic value and promising future potential.

The ceremony was also attended by Malaysia’s High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam, Datuk Mohd Aini Atan, LCDA General Manager Datu Sr Zaidi Mahdi, STATOB Chief Executive Officer Samat Junai, Sahamada Corporation Sdn. Bhd. Adviser Illias Matusin, Batu Danau Assemblyman Dato Paulus Palu Gumbang, and other distinguished guests. -UKASnews

Reporter: Leya Ameera Annuar Rigos
Translator: Uilson Ng
Photographer: Shairazi