Sibu:Sarawak The Sarawak government is set to collaborate closely with the Federal government to advance the proposed Sibu Special Economic Zone (SEZ). The focus of the collaboration will be on formal negotiations to determine investment incentives, facilitation mechanisms, and strategic infrastructure needs for the SEZ.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg emphasized the importance of this collaboration, which will involve relevant federal ministries and agencies. The aim is to develop the Sibu SEZ into a model for regional economic transformation.

During the State Legislative Assembly sitting, Abang Johari expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister and the Federal Government for agreeing to Sarawak's proposal. He highlighted the cooperation between Putrajaya and Kuching as key to unlocking the economic potential of central Sarawak.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, in his announcement of the national Budget 2027, stated that formal discussions with Sarawak would start soon. These discussions will focus on finalizing an investment incentive framework, setting up a one-stop investment facilitation center, and identifying strategic infrastructure requirements for the SEZ.

Abang Johari outlined that the Sibu SEZ will aim to reposition Sibu as a modern economic growth hub, emphasizing high-value manufacturing, downstream processing, agro-industry, logistics, and the green economy. The initiative is expected to attract significant domestic and foreign investments, create skilled jobs, and open new markets and supply chains for local SMEs.