Sarawak-one of Malaysia’s founding partners-is asserting its autonomy

  1. Petros
    – Sarawak established Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros) in 2017 as its own oil and gas company, taking charge of the state’s petroleum resources and enforcing state-level licensing, which strengthens Sarawak’s control over its natural wealth.

  2. S Pay Global
    – Launched as Sarawak Pay in 2017 and now known as S Pay Global, this state-owned e-wallet promotes a cashless economy and digital inclusivity, with widespread adoption among Sarawakians and integration into state services.

  3. DBOS
    – The Development Bank of Sarawak (DBOS), founded in 2017, channels state revenues into strategic projects like infrastructure and green initiatives, enabling Sarawak to independently finance its development priorities.

  4. AirBorneo
    – In 2025, Sarawak acquired and rebranded MASwings as AirBorneo, becoming the first Malaysian state to own an airline-improving regional connectivity and asserting control over its transport links.

  5. Native Customary Rights – Sarawak’s Land Code, especially Section 5(2), recognizes and protects Native Customary Rights (NCR) over land, empowering indigenous communities and ensuring land matters are governed by state laws and authorities.