Sarawak eyes 2050 plan to spread jobs, services and growth beyond major cities

PETALING JAYA, November 5 — The Sarawak government is contemplating a comprehensive urban development policy extending until 2050 to steer the growth and expansion of both major cities, smaller towns, and rural areas. Sarawak's Premier, Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, outlined that the proposed Sarawak Urban Development Policy 2050 would provide a long-term framework for the state's urban and settlement system, taking into consideration its extensive geographical landscape and diverse communities.

The policy should be in harmony with statutory plans, development decisions, infrastructure programs, and accountable delivery arrangements to ensure that strategic planning results in tangible and effective implementation. Speaking at the 11th National Planning Congress 2026, the Premier emphasized the importance of advancing economic prosperity, social inclusivity, and environmental sustainability as interconnected objectives during his keynote address titled "Leadership for Better Cities: Our Shared Responsibility."

Abang Johari highlighted the need for a robust settlement system that connected urban centers with their surrounding regions, with Kuching, Sibu, Bintulu, Miri, and emerging towns playing complementary roles in delivering services, employment, and economic opportunities. He stressed that development planning must consider the unique requirements of smaller towns, riverine settlements, rural communities, and interior areas, ensuring that each settlement has access to appropriate services, connectivity, and economic prospects.

Abang Johari stressed that strategic plans should guide land use, transport, housing, public facilities, and environmental protection in a coordinated manner, with clear objectives, responsible agencies, and the necessary resources for implementation. While acknowledging that they do not claim to have solved every challenge, the Premier expressed confidence that consistent policy direction, institutional cooperation, and a commitment to measurable outcomes would lay the foundation for progress.

Ultimately, the Premier stated that the true measure of development lies in whether it provides tangible benefits to the people, such as reduced travel time to work, improved living conditions, reliable public services, enhanced safety, and lower household expenses.