Kuala lumpur: Sarawak is repositioning its development model toward a low-carbon, technology-led economy to realise the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030), focusing on the green economy, renewable energy, artificial intelligence (AI) and human capital development.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg announced that the state is transitioning from a traditional resource-based approach to one that leverages technology and aligns with global sustainability goals. He highlighted that forests, previously a source of timber, are increasingly valued as carbon sinks, opening opportunities for carbon trading in line with the mechanism under the 2015 Paris Agreement. "This is a major change in the world economy when forests and trees have economic value through carbon trading based on international standards," he stated at a press conference following the opening of the Kapit Division Sarawakku Sayang (SKS) Programme 2026.
He further explained that Sarawak is adopting AI, including large language models, to enhance administrative efficiency and improve public service delivery. The state aims to become a regional green-energy hub anchored by hydroelectricity and natural gas, with ongoing discussions between Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (PETROS) and Petronas expected to advance the energy sector.
To build human capital, Abang Johari outlined plans to roll out 64 education and training programmes across various fields such as science, technology, management, finance, and psychology, aimed at developing a highly skilled workforce. Regarding developments in Kapit, he noted that improved road connectivity has stimulated commerce but has also introduced new congestion issues on land. "Previously, congestion only occurred at the jetty because transportation depended on the river. Now that the road is completed, congestion occurs on land because more people come to do business, work, and carry out various activities," he remarked.
He mentioned that the state government is in the process of upgrading nearly 5,700 km of logging roads over five to six years for public use. Kapit is also being developed as a sustainable green city with a distinct identity, capitalizing on its role as a key hydroelectric generation area. "We want Kapit to be a sustainable green city with its own identity, in line with the changing world economy, which is now shifting to green and low-carbon energy," he added.
Sarawak plans to broaden its clean-energy mix by expanding hydroelectricity, solar, energy storage, and biomass projects. The state also intends to continue implementing free higher education and developing human capital in the fields of AI, green energy, and the digital economy. Feedback from the Kapit Division Sarawakku Sayang (SKS) Programme will be used as the basis for formulating state government policies through a bottom-up approach to ensure that the development implemented truly meets the needs of the people.