RECODA is honored to play a pivotal role in driving Sarawak’s Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 and advancing its vision to become a high-income and developed region by 2030, while supporting the Federal Agenda Ekonomi MADANI. By executing the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) Development Plan, we have achieved remarkable milestones in infrastructure and socio-economic development, fostering investment opportunities, generating employment, and improving livelihoods across the SCORE region.

In 2024, our strategic initiatives continued to emphasise urban-rural economic integration, ensuring balanced growth and equitable opportunities for all Sarawakians. This approach has created a cohesive landscape where communities thrive together, bridging the divide between urban and rural areas.

As the year comes to a close, we take pride in the progress made and reflect on the milestones achieved. These insights will guide us as we chart our 2025 strategic priorities and remain steadfast in our commitment to advancing Sarawak’s development agenda in alignment with national aspirations.

Our commitment to bridging the urban-rural divide was evident in the successful execution of 275 infrastructure projects supported by both Sarawak and Federal allocations. These projects include the construction of roads, bridges, utility infrastructure, and initiatives aimed at poverty eradication.

Across the three Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) – the Upper Rajang Development Agency (URDA), Highland Development Agency (HDA), and Northern Region Development Agency (NRDA) – we successfully completed 138 projects, with 64 projects currently under implementation and 45 in design, planning, or tendering stages.

Additionally, among the Federal projects in the SCORE region, 16 have been completed, 9 are under implementation, and 1 is in the detailed design phase.

The COMMUNITY@SCORE initiative has positively impacted over 2,000 individuals, including local community members and entrepreneurs, through the implementation of 53 projects across URDA, HDA, NRDA, Simunjan and Mukah. The projects in these areas are tailored to focus on the industries and infrastructural needs of that area in order to facilitate sustainable growth and bring the largest economic impact for entrepreneurs, such as agriculture, aquaculture, education as well as the development of roads, facilities and cultural or religious hubs for the communities.

Under the Ministry of Economy, RECODA has championed the Basmi Miskin Tegar (BMT) and Inisiatif Pendapatan Rakyat (IPR) programs to eradicate poverty and empower communities in Sarawak. As of November 2024, 186 participants have joined the BMT program, with 55 transitioning from hardcore poor to poor, showcasing measurable socio-economic improvement. The Inisiatif Usahawan Makanan (IPR – INSAN) has identified three participants, empowering them through vending machine entrepreneurship. Notably, Siti Hajar began operating her vending machine at LCDA Tower on 2nd October 2024. In her first month, she achieved a gross income of RM7,287, highlighting the success of this initiative.

Meanwhile, the Inisiatif Usahawan Tani (IPR – INTAN) program has appointed four anchor companies to initiate projects in early 2025. These include Seabass, Vannamei Prawn, Tilapia, and Pineapple farming—key ventures set to bolster Sarawak’s agricultural sector.

Together, these initiatives underscore RECODA’s unwavering commitment to fostering sustainable development, alleviating poverty, and empowering communities across Sarawak.

The SCORE region has received a cumulative total approved investment of RM123 billion, with projected job creation of 53,829. In Bintulu, The Samalaju Industrial Park (SIP) remains a cornerstone of score’s economic achievements, drawing global investments, particularly in the steel and solar manufacturing industry. As of 2024, SIP has 14 approved investors, with a total approved investment of RM51.6 billion, underscoring Sarawak’s status as a power-rich investment destination.

We are also proud that our work aligns seamlessly with Sarawak’s Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the Sustainable Sarawak Blueprint, reaffirming our commitment to long-term sustainability and prosperity for the region.

The coming year promises exciting developments, with transformative infrastructure projects on the horizon. Among these are:

  • The Northern Coastal Highway (NCH) in Limbang and Lawas, which is scheduled to begin construction in Q2 2025.
  • Roads connecting Miri-Marudi, Marudi-Mulu, and Long Panai-Long Lama (MMMLL), scheduled to begin construction in Q2 2025.
  • The commencement of Phase 1 of the New Lawas Airport, scheduled to begin in Q2 2025.

These projects will bring Sarawak closer to achieving a comprehensive road network, ensuring better connectivity for communities in the interior and unlocking new opportunities for growth and development.

None of these achievements would be possible without the unwavering support of our leaders, investors, stakeholders, and partners. Your trust and collaboration have been instrumental in overcoming challenges and driving progress. We are deeply grateful for your continued commitment as we work together to lay the foundation for a brighter, more sustainable future for Sarawak.

As we step into 2025, let us carry forward the momentum we have built together, embracing new challenges and opportunities with the same determination and shared vision that have brought us this far. Together, we will shape a brighter, more sustainable future for Sarawak.

On behalf of RECODA, I wish you all a Happy New Year filled with prosperity, health, and success.

Sincerely,

Datuk Haji Ismawi Haji Ismuni

Chief Executive Officer

Regional Corridor Development Authority (RECODA)