THE Sarawak government plans to take over several more strategic entities from the Federal Government, as part of efforts to strengthen the state's economic autonomy and control over important assets.
Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Abang Openg said the move was in line with the agenda of expanding Sarawak's rights in accordance with the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
He said the move would be implemented based on the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
"That is why in the past six years, we have taken steps to strengthen the economy by taking over the Bakun Hydroelectric Dam power plant from the Federal Government.
"We are taking over Bintulu Port; creating the Sarawak Development Bank (DBOS), Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (PETROS) and the airline AirBorneo; and taking over the majority equity of commercial bank Affin Bank.
"In fact, there is much more that we want to take over from the Federal Government," he said when speaking at the Sarawak Level Workers' Day 2026 Assembly at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK), today.
About 3,000 workers from 34 trade unions attended the assembly.
He said the takeover and the existence of many strategic entities would create more job opportunities.
In this regard, he said Sarawakians would be given proper training by focusing on courses in technical fields.
"Starting this year, the Sarawak Government is offering 64 programmes at Sarawak-owned higher education institutions (IPTs) to produce Sarawakians who are experts in science, finance and new laws, including cyber law," he said.
Meanwhile, at the same event, he also launched 'Job Sarawak', the Sarawak Government's official employment platform to help the people of the state find employment opportunities, skills training and career matching with local employers.
The initiative is part of efforts to strengthen human capital development and provide more job opportunities for Sarawakians, especially in strategic sectors. – May 10, 2026
