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?