Sarawak To Establish Sibu Economic Zone With RM1.5 Bln Allocation -- Abang Johari

SIBU, July 11 (Bernama) -- Sarawak will establish the Sibu Economic Zone (SEZ) with an allocation of RM1.5 billion to coordinate Sibu’s economic development in a more comprehensive and integrated manner, said Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

When announcing the matter today, he said the Sarawak state government had, in principle, agreed to establish a special agency to drive Sibu's more complex economic development by engaging diverse sectors, rather than focusing on just certain aspects.

“I have agreed to establish an agency, the Sibu Economic Zone, as its economic development is quite complex.

“For a start, I will include an allocation of RM1.5 billion in the new state budget,” he said during a press conference after officiating the Sarawakku Sayang 2026 Programme for Sibu Division here today.

Abang Johari said the proposed SEZ aimed to coordinate Sibu’s economic development more systematically by focusing on attracting investment, strengthening the service sector, and creating more high-value job opportunities. 

He also said the Second Trunk Road project, scheduled for completion in 2029, is expected to be a catalyst for Sibu’s development, as it would shorten travel time between Kuching and Sibu to about two hours. 

He said the improved land link would make Sibu more attractive to service-based industries, including the finance and insurance sectors.

Abang Johari said the establishment of the SEZ would also complement the implementation of the Sibu redevelopment master plan, which is scheduled to be carried out in stages over 15-20 years.

Earlier, the proposal to establish a special body to drive Sibu’s economic development was mooted by Sarawak Deputy Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee at the same event.

Annuar said this aligned with the interests of skilled workers while reinforcing Sibu's role as a major growth centre in Sarawak's Central Zone.

Strengthening high-quality job opportunities and creating new economic activities would be key to attracting professionals back to the city, he said.

“We do not want Sibu to become an ‘ageing town’ dominated by senior citizens due to the migration of skilled workers.

“We need to create more job opportunities and economic activities so that they can once again contribute to the development of Sibu,” he said. 

-- BERNAMA