Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Abang Openg said the acquisition and creation of strategic entities would create more jobs for Sarawakians. Pic Credit: Bernama
KUCHING: The Sarawak government plans to take over more strategic entities from the federal government to strengthen the state's control over key assets.
Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Abang Openg said the move was in line with Sarawak's rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and guided by the state's Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
"Over the past six years, we have taken steps to strengthen the economy by taking over the Bakun Hydroelectric Dam from the federal government.
"We have also taken over Bintulu Port, established the Development Bank of Sarawak (DBOS), Petroleum Sarawak Bhd (Petros) and AirBorneo," he said at the Sarawak-level Labour Day 2026 gathering today.
He added that the state had also acquired a majority stake in Affin Bank.
"In fact, there are many more things we want to take over from the federal government," he said.
However, Abang Johari did not elaborate on which entities the state government was considering.
He said the acquisition and creation of strategic entities would create more jobs, while Sarawakians would be provided with the necessary training.
"Starting this year, the Sarawak government is offering 64 programmes at state-owned higher learning institutions to produce experts in science, finance and emerging legal fields, including cyber law," he said.
At the same event, Abang Johari launched Job Sarawak, the state government's employment platform that provides job listings, skills training and career matching services with employers.