Construction of the Sarawak Bioindustrial Park's Central Hub has started in Kota Samarahan, with a 24-month completion target. [image: 1786680414071-sarawak-bioindustrial-hub-20260814.jpg] Photo: The Borneo Post The wider development covers 100 acres and is intended to connect research, product development, pilot processing, manufacturing and commercialisation in one location. Its focus areas include bioactives, biohealth, biomaterials, bioenergy and environmental solutions. The Central Hub is expected to provide shared laboratories, pilot-scale processing facilities, collaborative workspaces and support for Good Manufacturing Practice-compliant production. It is managed by BioVerde Technologies Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of the Sarawak Biodiversity Centre. Why this is more than another building announcement Sarawak already has biodiversity research. The difficult part is turning a promising compound or process into a product that can be tested, manufactured consistently and sold. Shared pilot and GMP-oriented facilities could close part of that gap for researchers and smaller companies that cannot build everything themselves. Eight collaboration agreements and memoranda were exchanged at the ceremony, but the report did not publish the construction cost, confirmed tenant list, job numbers or commercial production dates. Those measurable details — together with the 24-month construction milestone — are what Kuching and Samarahan residents should track next. Location: Kota Samarahan ️ Scope: Central Hub within a 100-acre bioindustrial park Sources: The Borneo Post report · Sarawak Biodiversity Centre

Sarawak tops all Malaysian states with RM14.2 billion revenue in 2024 [image: 1786410347360-sarawak-revenue-resized.jpg] Sarawak recorded the highest state government revenue collection and largest surplus among all Malaysian states in 2024, according to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM). The State Socioeconomic Report 2025 showed Sarawak collected RM14.2 billion in state revenue — more than double Sabah's RM6.8 billion, which was the second highest. Sarawak also posted the country's largest state government surplus at RM1.5 billion, followed by Sabah at RM470.9 million, Terengganu (RM212.2 million), Selangor (RM142 million), and Johor (RM103.6 million). The report also noted Sarawak's economy grew by 3.2% in 2025, below the national GDP growth of 5.2%. Source: DOSM State Socioeconomic Report 2025 Details: Sarawak's revenue doubles Sabah's; largest state surplus in Malaysia Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?

Sarawak entrepreneurs recorded RM35 million in transactions within 30 days through WhatsApp and social media. [image: 1785643496956-digital_drive_20260802.jpg] SERIAN, Aug 2: The figure was shared by MINTRED advisor Datuk Seri Mohd Naroden Majais, who said it shows more local entrepreneurs are ready to use digital platforms to reach wider markets. He said the state government will continue strengthening digitalisation initiatives so more entrepreneurs can raise income and grow their businesses. Support for digital growth Naroden said Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC) and MINTRED have rolled out programmes to strengthen the digital economy ecosystem, including the Digital Village in Kuching as a technology showcase and reference centre for entrepreneurs. He also pointed to support under the Micro Credit Scheme, with loans of up to RM50,000 and grants of up to RM20,000 to help businesses buy laptops, software and digital system equipment. Location: Serian / Sarawak Details: Entrepreneurs were urged to use AI responsibly for promotion, packaging design, marketing content and market intelligence. Photo: Sarawak Tribune Source: Sarawak Tribune What do you think?

Sarawak’s population is now estimated at 2.54 million, but the state is still Malaysia’s least densely populated region. [image: 1785578654062-sarawak_population_20260801.jpg] Source: DayakDaily / file photo of Kuching Waterfront What changed DayakDaily reported that the latest Department of Statistics Malaysia estimate puts Sarawak at 2.54 million people in 2026, with annual growth of only 0.4%. That makes Sarawak the fifth most populous state, behind Selangor, Johor, Sabah and Perak. Why people are talking The bigger issue is density and ageing. Sarawak records only 20 people per square kilometre, the lowest in the country. The report also says residents aged 65 and above now make up 9.7% of the population, placing Sarawak second nationwide for elderly share. The median age has risen to 33.2 years, while the total fertility rate stands at 1.5 children per woman. Location: Sarawak Details: 2.54 million population, 0.4% annual growth, lowest density in Malaysia Source: DayakDaily What do you think this means for Sarawak’s future workforce?

Guro Street is now official in Kuching South, the first street in Malaysia named after a South Korean city. [image: 1785492302193-guro-street.jpg] Image source: DayakDaily / Wee Hong Seng Kuching South launched Guro Street on July 31, marking another step in the city’s long-running link with Guro District in Seoul. Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said the name reflects closer business, culture and people-to-people ties between Sarawak and South Korea. The partnership between MBKS and Guro District started in 2013. Dr Sim said Korean interest in Sarawak is growing in renewable energy, hydrogen, carbon capture and gas development. He also pointed to OCI, which has invested more than USD2 billion in Sarawak since 2019 and has its headquarters in Kuching. Also present were Guro District Mayor Jang Inhong and Kuching South Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng. Location: Kuching South Details: Malaysia’s first street named after a South Korean city Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

More US companies are looking at Sarawak for green energy, technology and high-impact industrial projects. [image: 1785233094122-us_green_energy_20260728.jpg] Photo: DayakDaily United States Embassy in Malaysia Chargé d’Affaires ad interim David Gamble said Sarawak's location in Asean, renewable energy strength, natural resources and skilled workforce are drawing investor interest. He said American companies are especially watching renewable energy projects, where US technology could support hydroelectric systems, power-grid monitoring and other high-tech solutions. Why it matters Sarawak wants to grow its green energy and industrial base. US firms are looking beyond capital investment, with training and technology transfer also part of the pitch. Sarawak's energy capacity could also support the wider Asean Power Grid plan. Gamble said the first visit is usually the hardest step for investors. Once companies have operated in Sarawak, many choose to keep expanding here. Location: Sarawak / Kuching Hot Score: 24/30 Source: DayakDaily What kind of investment should Sarawak focus on next?

Bukit Saban is being lined up as a modern agriculture hub through a CPPC, Bebuling Agropark and Bebuling Airport. [image: 1785114385186-bukit_saban_agri-resized.jpg] Image source: The Borneo Post Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the plan is meant to build a full agriculture value chain, from production to processing, packaging and marketing. He said the projects could help farmers and smallholders raise their income by linking farm output with better facilities and market access. What is planned The proposed Collection, Processing and Packaging Centre (CPPC), Bebuling Agropark and Bebuling Airport are being planned under allocations from the Betong Division Development Agency (BDDA). Uggah said the state government will also continue supporting rural livelihoods through agriculture and entrepreneurship programmes, including fertiliser aid, pepper and oil palm cultivation, and free-range livestock projects. He also urged parents to support their children in pursuing higher education, saying skilled young people will be needed for Sarawak's future development. Location: Bukit Saban, Betong Division Details: Modern agriculture hub plan; CPPC, Bebuling Agropark and Bebuling Airport; focus on farmers, smallholders and rural income. Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?

East Malaysia is taking up the expanded diesel subsidy scheme fast, with Sarawak alone recording 8,292 registered vehicles. [image: 1785060242687-diesel_skds_east_msia.jpg] Source: DayakDaily Companies in Sarawak, Sabah and Labuan have registered 18,538 jeeps and pickup trucks under the Subsidised Diesel Control System (SKDS) as of July 23. Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said East Malaysia now accounts for 67.9% of companies registered in this company-owned jeep and pickup category nationwide. What changed The SKDS expansion for Sarawak, Sabah and Labuan started on July 1. It covers three sectors: public land transport, consumer-goods land transport, and private company-owned jeeps and pickup trucks. Key numbers Sarawak recorded 4,713 companies with 8,292 vehicles. Sabah recorded 5,583 companies with 10,046 vehicles. Labuan recorded 157 companies with 200 vehicles. Nationwide, 190,012 companies involving 493,160 vehicles have registered across the three SKDS sectors. Location: Sarawak, Sabah and Labuan Details: SKDS diesel subsidy registration update as of July 23 Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Bintulu-Samalaju has been placed in a global industrial transition network, with Sarawak taking the lead convener role. [image: 1784941486766-bintulu-samalaju-tic.jpg] Deputy Minister for Energy and Environmental Sustainability Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni said the Bintulu-Samalaju Transitioning Industrial Clusters (TIC) initiative is aimed at pushing the area towards a cleaner, lower-carbon industrial economy. The initiative was formally launched in June as a federal-state partnership involving Sarawak's Ministry of Energy and Environmental Sustainability, MyDIGITAL Corporation and the World Economic Forum. What it means for Sarawak The Bintulu-Samalaju corridor is now Malaysia's first member of the World Economic Forum's TIC network. More than 25 companies are involved, with four pilot projects already identified. The initiative is projected to contribute about RM12 billion a year to GDP by 2040 and create nearly 19,000 jobs. Dr Hazland said the plan builds on Sarawak's renewable energy strength, petrochemical base and hydrogen ambitions. Location: Bintulu-Samalaju industrial corridor Details: Low-carbon industrial transition initiative, led by Sarawak as lead convener Hot Score: 25/30 Source: https://www.theborneopost.com/2026/07/25/bintulu-samalaju-joins-global-industrial-transition-network-with-sarawak-as-lead-convener-says-deputy-minister/ Photo: The Borneo Post Big industry news, but the real test is whether the jobs and spillover reach Sarawakians. What do you think?

PETROS is producing oil onshore in Sarawak again after a 50-year break. [image: 1784768760030-petros-onshore-oil.jpg] Source: DayakDaily / Sarawak Information Department (Japen) State-owned PETROS has started producing about 800 barrels of oil a day from the Adong Kechil West field near Miri. Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg announced the milestone during the Sarawak Day 2026 celebration in Sibu on July 22. He said the output is from one well, with more wells expected later. Why it matters This is Sarawak's first onshore oil production after about five decades. The State wants to process more of its own resources locally instead of only exporting raw materials. The plan ties into downstream industries such as petrochemicals, methanol, ammonia, hydrogen, fertilisers and speciality chemicals. If it grows as planned, it could mean more skilled jobs and business opportunities in Sarawak. Location: Adong Kechil West field near Miri / Sibu announcement Details: Around 800 barrels per day, or about 24,000 barrels per month, from one well for now. Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

East Malaysia's diesel subsidy mechanism is being reviewed after feedback from Sarawak, Sabah and Labuan. [image: 1784682355793-diesel-armizan.jpg] Source: DayakDaily / KPDN Corporate Communication Unit The federal government is now consulting the Sarawak and Sabah governments on how to improve the targeted diesel subsidy rollout for East Malaysia. Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said the Ministry of Finance is leading the engagement because fuel subsidy policy sits under MOF. What is being looked at Armizan said several issues came up after the targeted diesel subsidy mechanism, first introduced in Peninsular Malaysia in 2024, was extended to Sarawak, Sabah and Labuan. He said MOF has started meeting government agencies in both states to identify problems on the ground. Treasury secretary-general Johan Mahmood Merican is also expected to meet elected representatives for direct feedback from their areas. State agencies may help with registering and verifying eligible recipients, especially in places where federal agencies have limited reach. Why it matters For Sarawak, diesel is not just a city issue. It affects transport, contractors, small businesses, rural movement and daily cost of living. Armizan said any revision still has to balance three things: cost of living, subsidy leakage, and the government's fiscal position. Location: Sarawak, Sabah and Labuan Details: Federal review of targeted diesel subsidy mechanism for East Malaysia Hot Score: 25/30 Source: https://dayakdaily.com/fed-govt-reviewing-diesel-subsidy-mechanism-in-east-malaysia/ What do you think?

AirBorneo launched its Kuching–Kuala Lumpur jet service on July 20 with an RM375 all-inclusive one-way fare, positioning the state-owned airline as a price competitor on the route. [image: 1784541894083-airborneo-fare.jpg] Photo: Sarawak Information Department via DayakDaily At the launch, Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the objective was not simply to maximise profit but to put downward pressure on fares between Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia. He said competing prices had already moved after AirBorneo introduced its fare. The airline began with two jet aircraft and planned to increase that to four within four to five months. New-generation ATR aircraft were also expected from 2027 to replace older turboprops inherited through the MASwings acquisition. RM375 was a launch commitment, not a permanent price guarantee The Premier said he hoped the all-inclusive fare could remain for at least the first year, and longer if market conditions allowed. Travellers should still check the live booking page because seat availability, travel dates, optional services and future fare changes can affect the final amount. The proposed use of future ATR aircraft on routes popular with university students was an idea raised at the launch, not a published student-fare programme. No eligibility rules, routes or application process were announced in the report. For Kuching passengers, the useful measure will be more than one advertised price: how many seats are sold near that level during school holidays and festive periods, whether flight frequency improves and how the airline handles delays or schedule changes. ️ Route: Kuching–Kuala Lumpur Launch fare: RM375 all-inclusive one way, subject to live availability Sources: DayakDaily · AirBorneo official site

Mandarin is being framed as a practical trade skill for Sarawak, especially when dealing with China. [image: 1784433843339-premier-mandarin-resized.jpg] Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said Mandarin can give Sarawakians an edge in an export-oriented economy. Speaking in Kuching on Saturday night, he said Sarawak sells products such as oil palm and LNG to China, so language skills matter when dealing with pricing, delivery and negotiation. He also said Bahasa Malaysia remains the national language, while English and Mandarin are useful tools for business and international trade. The Premier also pointed to Sarawak's recognition of the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) and the state's yearly RM10 million allocation for Chinese schools. Location: Kuching Details: Mandarin, English and trade skills were highlighted as part of Sarawak's push to prepare local talent for a wider export market. Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?

Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen says red tape is still blocking some eligible commercial vehicle owners from subsidised diesel. [image: 1784336677262-chong-diesel-subsidy.jpg] He urged the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) to simplify and speed up the Budi Diesel application process, especially for eligible commercial vehicle owners. What vehicle owners are facing Chong said applicants are being asked to submit documents from Puspakom and apply to modify their commercial vehicle Body Code. After the modification, the vehicle must go through a mandatory inspection every six months before the owner can apply for a diesel subsidy card. He said the targeted subsidy policy began on July 1, 2026, but many owners who should be receiving subsidised diesel have been rejected because of the extra steps. Chong called on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to remove requirements he described as unnecessary. He also said he had raised the matter with Transport Minister Anthony Loke so it can be brought up in Cabinet. Source: The Borneo Post Source: The Borneo Post For transport operators, this one really affects daily cost. What do you think?

Sarawak is looking at water exports as a next economic frontier, but the state says local supply has to come first. [image: 1784164063064-sarawak-water-export.jpg] Source: Sarawak Tribune Sarawak Tribune reported that Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg wants Sarawak to use purification technology to treat river water for export once the statewide water grid is completed. He said the state has many rivers and could later supply countries that face water shortages, especially as water becomes more important for industrial use and data centres. What comes first Abang Johari said Sarawak's immediate target is still 100 per cent water supply coverage by 2030. That work includes the state water grid, new treatment plants, replacement of ageing pipelines, and the Sarawak Alternative Water Supply System for remote villages. He also said talks on possible export markets are ongoing, but did not name the countries involved. Location: Sarawak Details: Sarawak wants to explore treated river water as a future export commodity after local water coverage is secured. Source: Sarawak Tribune What do you think?

[image: 1783991063677-gardenia-samarahan.png] Gardenia bread will soon be made in Sarawak, with a RM30 million plant planned for Kota Samarahan. Kim Teck Cheong Consolidated Berhad (KTC) is working with Yayasan Sarawak through Sanjung Etika Sdn Bhd to set up Gardenia Bakeries (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd. The new factory is expected to start operations in 2027. What changes for Sarawak The plant will sit on a 7.56-acre site in Kota Samarahan and use advanced manufacturing technology. KTC said it will also focus on halal certification, food safety and quality control before production begins. Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said the project shows investors are looking at Sarawak not only for electricity, but also for workforce quality and liveability. For regular shoppers, the biggest change is simple: Sarawak will no longer depend so much on Gardenia bread shipped in from outside the state. Location: Kota Samarahan Details: RM30 million plant, expected to operate in 2027, with local supply chain benefits and Sarawak Edition packaging planned. Photo: Madeline Dugat/TVS via DayakDaily Source: https://dayakdaily.com/gardenia-to-bake-sarawak-made-bread-by-2027-with-rm30-million-plant-in-kota-samarahan/ What do you think?

[image: 1783937203980-gardenia-factory-resized.jpg] Gardenia is planning a RM30 million factory in Sarawak, with the state government saying it reflects stronger investor confidence here. The update came after a memorandum of understanding involving Kim Teck Cheong Consolidated Berhad and Sanjung Etika Sdn Bhd. Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said the investment points to Sarawak's skilled workforce, stable governance and improving infrastructure. Dr Sim said KTC had noted that 32.5% of its workforce are Sarawakians, something he linked to the quality of local talent. Why it matters The planned Gardenia factory is not just another commercial project. Dr Sim described it as a strategic investment that can help keep essential supplies from being too dependent on outside sources. He also said the Sarawak government will facilitate the approval process through the State Planning Authority and relevant local authorities once the required submissions are made. Also present at the signing were Kuching South mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng, KTC executive director Datuk Dexter Lau, KTC managing director Datuk Lau Kok Sing, and Sanjung Etika board members Datu Dr Hatta Solhi and Jolly Marikan. Location: Sarawak / Kuching Details: RM30 million Gardenia factory MoU, investor confidence, local workforce and approval process Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?

Sarawak says it is moving closer to producing a new semiconductor chip that can split light without generating heat. [image: 1783850638039-sarawak-chip.jpg] Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the chip is part of Sarawak's push into the new economy and advanced semiconductor work. He said Sarawak is developing a gallium nitride-based chip, a material he described as better than silicon for this purpose. The design work, he added, is being handled by Sarawakian talent. Abang Johari also said Sarawak is working on the world's first storage disk using a glass substrate instead of silicon. Why it matters This is not just another factory announcement. If the plan moves as described, Sarawak wants to be known for designing high-value tech products, not only hosting industrial projects. Location: Kuching / Sarawak Details: Abang Johari spoke at the Tanjong Lobang College Alumni Association Charity Dinner in Kuching on July 11. Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

[image: 1783645490067-tebedu.jpg] Construction has started on the RM5 million Dataran Mutiara Tebedu project, a new public square planned for the border town. The Borneo Post reported that the project is funded by the Greater Kuching Coordinated Development Agency (GKCDA) and is scheduled for completion by Oct 10, 2027. What Tebedu will get The project will include an open-air stage with modern facilities, an agricultural produce trading area and retail stalls. Tebedu assemblyman Dr Simon Sinang Bada said the town had long needed a proper venue for major community programmes and public gatherings. He said the project is expected to support local economic activity and give residents a proper focal point for events. Location: Tebedu, Serian Division Details: Site handover was carried out by the Public Works Department (JKR) Serian to the appointed contractor on Wednesday. Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?

Sarawak has clocked a GDP per capita of RM73,757 in 2025, comfortably above the national average of RM59,167. The latest numbers from the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) show Sarawak is punching above its weight economically — joining KL, Putrajaya, Labuan, Penang and Selangor as states that beat the national average. [image: 1782885725943-sarawak-gdp-2025.jpg] By the numbers Sarawak's total GDP hit RM153.5 billion, growing 3.6% from 2024 Services sector led the charge, up 5.4% — driven by wholesale & retail trade, F&B, accommodation, utilities, transport, storage and ICT Agriculture grew 4.3%, thanks to higher oil palm production Mining & quarrying rose 2.7%, supported by natural gas output Manufacturing was flat at 0.1% National GDP expanded 5.2% to RM1.74 trillion, with Construction being the fastest-growing sector nationwide at 12.2%. Where Sarawak stands Despite growing at a more moderate 3.6%, Sarawak remains one of Malaysia's most economically significant states. Alongside KL, Johor and Penang, Sarawak accounted for a big chunk of the country's total economic output. Chief Statistician Dato' Sri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin noted that all states recorded positive growth in 2025, reflecting a resilient economic environment despite global uncertainties. DOSM added that Malaysia's 2026 outlook stays positive — Q1 2026 already shows 5.4% GDP growth and a record-high 70.8% labour force participation. Location: Sarawak Details: DOSM State GDP Report 2025, released July 1, 2026 Source: DayakDaily What do you think?