Premier: Sarawak laying groundwork for future financial success aligned with environmental stewardship
KUCHING (Oct 10): Sarawak is transitioning towards a green economy that prioritises sustainable development while minimising environmental degradation, said Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. The Premier said this shift focuses on decoupling economic growth from carbon emissions and resource depletion, ensuring long-term economic and ecological resilience. “Sarawak is laying the groundwork for a future where financial success is aligned with environmental stewardship by integrating renewable energy sources such as hydropower, solar, and biomass,” he said in his keynote address at the Sarawak Future Forum here today. Noting that while Sarawak was historically reliant on oil, gas, and timber, Abang Johari said the state’s economy is now diversifying in response to the global shift towards low-carbon economies. “Recognising the finite nature of these traditional resources, the state is pivoting toward renewable energy, digital innovation, and human capital development. “The Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 serves as a roadmap for this transformation, embedding environmental sustainability as a fundamental component of economic progress,” he said. He pointed out that a cornerstone of Sarawak’s economic transformation is its commitment to renewable energy. “With substantial hydropower capacity, the state already leads the region in clean energy production. “However, Sarawak is expanding its renewable portfolio, targeting an impressive 15GW capacity by 2035. This strategic expansion positions Sarawak as a regional powerhouse in green energy, capable of exporting sustainable power to neighbouring countries, including Singapore, Indonesia, and beyond,” he said. He also said that green hydrogen is at the forefront of Sarawak’s clean energy strategy where the state aims to become a key exporter of hydrogen, particularly to South Korea and Japan, aligning with their national net-zero strategies. “Furthermore, Sarawak is developing a robust hydrogen transportation and storage infrastructure, allowing for seamless export to international markets. “By leveraging its geographical advantage and proximity to key Asian economies, Sarawak can become a major supplier of clean hydrogen, further diversifying its economy,” he said. On Sarawak’s digital transformation, Abang Johari said this extends to urban development, where the region invests in smart city initiatives to optimise city management and improve residents’ quality of life. “Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) are being integrated into infrastructure systems to enhance efficiency in areas such as traffic management, energy distribution, and public services. “These smart city initiatives are not just about improving urban living—they are also aligned with Sarawak’s broader climate goals. “By making cities more efficient and sustainable, Sarawak is reducing its environmental footprint while enhancing the liveability of its urban areas,” he said. The Premier said the principle of inclusivity also lies at the heart of the Sarawak government’s development strategy. “Social equity must be a guiding principle as we develop policies and programmes that ensure every Sarawakian, regardless of background, has access to opportunities for education, employment, and entrepreneurship. “To truly measure our success, we must ask ourselves, ‘Are we creating a society where everyone has a chance to succeed? Are we building a future where no one is left behind?’ These are the questions that must guide our work in the years ahead,” he said. On the forum, Abang Johari said the inaugural event has brought together global experts, thought leaders, and practitioners from diverse fields, including Nobel laureate Prof Joseph Stiglitz, a global leader in economic thought who has long championed the need to move beyond gross domestic product as a measure of success. “It is our hope that through these discussions, we will gain new perspectives and insights on how to create a more just and sustainable economy. “Sarawak is ready to learn, to adapt, and to lead in areas that matter most to the future of our planet – whether it be green energy, renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, or digital innovation,” he said. The Sarawak Future Forum is organised by the Sarawak Centre of Performance Excellence (Scope) and Leadership Institute of Sarawak Civil Service (LISCS), in partnership with The New York Times, Institute of Management Sarawak (Masa), and the American-Malaysian Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM). Among those present were Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian; State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki; and Deputy State Secretary (Economic Planning and Development) Datu Dr Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel.
Global Telecommunications first off-taker for Kuching’s FutureData Park
KUCHING (Oct 10): Global Telecommunications is set to be the first off-taker to set up its data centre within FutureData Park here. FutureData Consortium, led by TSG Group of Sarawak and Cyclect of Singapore, announced this during a ceremony at its booth in DC World, Singapore yesterday. The 500MW site for the data centre was first announced in June 2023 at Shape the World Summit here witnessed by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. TSG Group said in a press statement today that the high-density data centre will be designed to support next-generation digital infrastructure. It will be purpose-built to cater to cutting-edge applications such as Large Language Model (LLM) training and GPU as a Service (GaaS), making it a vital hub for artificial intelligence (AI) development and cloud computing services. Additionally, the data centre shall provide edge computing solutions along with Internet Data Exchange (IDE) services, enhancing data handling and processing at the edge of networks for faster and more efficient performance. Costing above US$130 million (RM617.84 million), the centre will operate on a robust 17MW power supply, offering significant energy capacity to power the demanding workloads of modern computing systems. It will be designed to support over 1,000 racks, with selective high-density racks delivering up to 125KW of power, providing the scalability required for high-performance computing environments. Construction will begin in the second quarter of 2025 and it is expected to be online by 2026. Through this project, the company aims to position itself as a key player in the region’s digital economy by delivering the infrastructure needed to support emerging technologies, cloud services, and AI-driven innovations. The facility’s strategic location and advanced design make it a cornerstone for data exchange, connectivity, and AI infrastructure development in East Malaysia. “As the pioneer developer heeding the call of the state government to develop large-scale data centre parks in Sarawak, in line with the Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint 2030, TSG Group is proud to partner with Global Telecommunications Group to set up the first AI DC in Sarawak for our FutureData project,” said TSG chief executive officer Datuk Chris Chung. Global Telecommunications chairman Stanley Ling said with existing data centres in Peninsular Malaysia, having this next AI DC in Sarawak means the company now has a pan-Malaysian network of data centres. “We are excited about the vast potential growth in Sarawak, Sabah, and the rise of Kalimantan. The future is indeed Sarawak,” he said. Cyclect chief executive officer Melvin Tan said the company is proud and excited to be part of this pioneering project in Kuching, which marks a major milestone for AI-driven infrastructure in Borneo. “FutureData Park will set new standards in sustainability and digital innovation, providing the foundation for industries to leverage the power of AI and next-gen computing,” he said. TSG Group is a diversified group in Sarawak with transformative businesses in infrastructure and rural development, property development, oil palm plantation, Paulownia tree plantation for environmental sustainability, and future economy projects focusing on food, environment, data, and space exploration. In Singapore, TSG group’s interests are represented by its investment company DesignFutures Venture Pte Ltd. Among those present during the announcement were Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office Singapore (Statos) CEO Chew Chang Guan, Dylan Yee (TSG Group), Lawrence Chong (FutureData), Sylvester Wong (Global Telecommunications), and Kenny Lau (Statos).
Work on Tegas digital core living nomad lodge in Samajaya Industrial Park to commence in 2025, says chairman
KUCHING (Oct 5): The construction of the Tabung Ekonomi Gagasan Anak Sarawak (Tegas) digital core living nomad lodge at the Samajaya Industrial Park here will commence next year, said Tegas chairman Datuk Len Talif Salleh. The Natural Resources and Urban Development deputy minister said the government is spending RM71 million for the construction of the building and facilities, for the use of researchers and students conducting research at the Tegas Digital Village. “Preliminary planning has already been carried out and all related documentation requirements have been submitted to the State Planning Authority for approval,” he said when met at the launch of the Sarawak Career and Training Fair (SCaT Fair) here today. The event was officiated by Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn who represented Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. For the record, the establishment of the Tegas Digital Core Living Nomad Lodge was announced by Abang Johari when officiating at the 2023 SCaT Fair.
Lee: S’wak drawing up master plan on integrated, modern transport system
KUCHING (Sept 24): The Sarawak Integrated Transport Master Plan 2025-2040 aims to create a comprehensive framework to develop an integrated and modern transport system that meets the evolving needs of Sarawak, said Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin. The Transport Minister said while there have been various city master plans and regional development plans in the past that touched on the aspects of transport, none have fully consolidated or addressed the complexity and opportunities within the sector. “This Master Plan aims to address that gap and chart a unified and strategic way forward,” he said when officiating a lab session for the master plan here today. He said the transport sector serves as the backbone of Sarawak’s economy and social inclusivity, where it plays a pivotal role in supporting key industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, tourism and services. He pointed out that his ministry has embarked on a transformative transport development including initiatives to modernise the public transport system under the Kuching Urban Transport System (KUTS) as well as enhancing air connectivity through the establishment of a Sarawak-owned airline and plans for a new international airport, which can unlock Sarawak’s potential as a strategic air travel hub and serve as a gateway for greater economic and tourism growth. “In the maritime and riverine sector, Sarawak is blessed with an extensive network of rivers which presents opportunities for trade, tourism and industrial growth including the oil and gas industry. “The Sarawak Transport Ministry is committed to leveraging these resources in an environmentally sustainable manner,” he said. He also said that the logistics sector had also been discussed, with a focus on developing lorry terminals to streamline supply chains across land, river, and air transport. “We are not only looking at developing transport in Sarawak only; we are working towards sub-regional connectivity with our neighbouring countries, Brunei Darussalam and Indonesia as well as regionally to promote sustainable economic growth, cross-border trade and tourism. “As we progress with the development of the transport modes – land, river, sea and air – we need to embrace digitalisation to improve efficiency, enhance integration and meet sustainability goals such as the use of green fuels and energy,” he said. Lee urged the lab participants, which comprised representatives from 56 government agencies and the private sector, to actively engage themselves throughout the session, which will also explore legal frameworks necessary for implementing the initiatives. “Your insights are of utmost importance in crafting a practical Master Plan,” he said. He also extended his appreciation to the study’s consultant consortium companies comprising Perunding Bumi Jasa, Surbana Jurong, Ernst and Young, Jurutera Jasa and Reddit & Co, for taking up this important task in the development of the Master Plan. “Your expertise and dedication will help ensure that the plan is comprehensive, sustainable, forward-looking and practical to provide a blueprint that can be effectively implemented,” he said. Also present were Deputy Minister of Transport (Aviation and Road) Datuk Dr Jerip Susil, Perunding Bumi Jasa Sdn Bhd director Wan Alwi, Surbana Jurong director Dennis Tan and Jurutera Jasa director Felix Ang.
Press Metal expands upstream with alumina refinery JV in Kalimantan
KUCHING (Sept 19): Press Metal Aluminium Holdings Berhad has entered into a shareholders’ agreement and share subscription agreement with PT Alakasa Alumina Refineri (AAR), PT Dinamika Sejahtera Mandiri (DSM) and PT Kalimantan Alumina Nusantara (KAN). This is to set up a strategic joint venture where KAN will establish and operate an integrated alumina refinery plant, power plant, jetty and supporting infrastructure in Sanggau, West Kalimantan, Indonesia. The refinery is expected to have an annual production capacity of 1 to 1.2 million metric tonnes, with a potential expansion to double this output. The total cost for Phase 1 is US$750 million, or about RM3.238 billion. Press Metal will subscribe for 80 per cent equity interest in KAN for a total subscription price of RM1.036 billion, executed in seven tranches over the next year, and funded through the Group’s internally generated funds. AAR and DSM shall hold 19.77 and 0.23 per cent, respectively. Group chief executive officer Tan Sri Paul Koon said the project represents a unique opportunity to drive sustainable long-term growth. “By partnering with AAR and DSM through this joint venture, we are not only expanding our upstream business operations but also unlocking synergies that will enhance the overall value of the Press Metal group. “This venture aligns with our strategy to reinforce and continuously strengthen our leading position as the largest smelter in Southeast Asia and boost our competitive edge across the aluminium value chain. “It is an effective approach towards expanding our upstream presence while ensuring higher self-sufficiency and a stable supply of our alumina needs, which are critical to our core smelting operations. “This will also reduce our reliance on third-party suppliers and traders, ensuring greater operational resiliency and efficiency. “With a long-term offtake agreement expected to commence once the refinery is operational, we anticipate cost savings that will further optimise our overall operations”, he said.
Solar on track for another record year, says report
PARIS (Sept 19): The solar industry is due to grow by nearly a third in 2024, beating forecasts as it adds 593 gigawatts of additional capacity, the majority of them in China, according to a report released on Thursday by the Ember think tank. “This is a 29 per cent increase compared to the previous year, maintaining strong growth following an estimated 87 per cent surge in 2023,” the report said. “Yet again, solar power is growing faster than people expected, as it establishes itself as the cheapest source of electricity globally,” said Euan Graham, electricity data analyst at Ember. Illustrating the lightning speed at which solar is growing, Ember projections show that new solar capacity added in 2024 alone will be more than the 540 GW of additional coal power added around the world since 2010. China remains the world leader in the sector and is expected to add 334 GW, or 56 per cent of the world total in 2024. It is followed by the United States, India, Germany, and Brazil, with the top five countries accounting for 75 per cent of the new solar capacity in 2024, the report said. Grid capacity and battery storage were key to maintaining growth in the sector, the report said. “As solar becomes more affordable and accessible, ensuring sufficient grid capacity and developing battery storage is crucial for handling power distribution and supporting solar outside of peak sunlight hours,” it said. “By addressing these challenges and sustaining growth, solar power could continue to exceed expectations for the remainder of the decade.” — AFP
Premier: Miri Port to propel northern Sarawak’s economy, rival Dubai after 2030
MIRI (Sept 18): The Miri Port has the potential to become a key port linking Sarawak’s northern trade to global markets, said Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. He said apart from that, it can spur economic opportunities and further accelerate development in Sarawak’s northern region, including the hinterlands. “The people of Miri have long dreamed of developing this port. However, the high costs and questions over its economic feasibility kept it on hold for years. “Datuk Amar (Douglas Uggah Embas) and his team met with me to discuss the project, and I had already considered the idea, as we had always wanted to build a port in the northern region but the path forward was unclear,” he said. Abamg Johari was speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony of the proposed RM208.9 million training bund and dredging project at Batang Baram Delta, at the Miri Port here today. Abang Johari said that the dredging project to deepen the access channel would adopt the latest BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) technology which is already used in developed countries in Europe. “Hence, we set aside an allocation amounting RM280 million even when the cost is only RM208 million. We are putting aside the remaining funds for future projects,” he added. He noted that the investment will return to Sarawak over time given the vast potential and opportunities the project brings after its completion by year 2026. Looking forward to the future, Abang Johari envisioned Miri Port not only able to handle various types of cargo, but also be turned into a resort that would attract tourists, potentially competing with the world’s renowned tourist destination like Dubai. “If this area becomes a resort, it could be a rival to Dubai. They have the Palm (Jumeirah), so our port will not only welcome cargo and vessels, but also cruises that bring in tourists. “We will build buildings, hotels there. With that, we will have a major port that is on par with Singapore,” he said, adding that this would be materialised after 2030. Additionally, he said the Miri hinterland, which is rich in palm oil, would also benefit greatly from the port as transportation costs would be reduced, resulting in higher profit margins. He said that the Baram Delta has also been identified as a Carbon Storage area, creating opportunities for the Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS) industry. He added that the port would also feature containerisation facilities, further boosting its capacity to handle a variety of cargo. “As for our pipeline, Sarawak will manage its own gas resources. Our gas resources are our right, despite some issues with Petronas at the moment. This means that we will develop a state gas roadmap including here in Kuala Baram, and this is one of the new industries,” he said. He stressed that for Sarawakian to enjoy these developments, the people must remain united and support the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS). “As long as GPS is here, we will continue to have new ideas, which we call innovation where we constantly look for ways outside the box to develop Sarawak,” he said. Meanwhile, Abang Johari witnessed the formal exchange of contract documents between Miri Port Authority and its joint venture partners Rimbun Prima Sdn Bhd and China Communications Construction Company (M) Sdn Bhd. Also present at the function were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Transport Minister Dato’ Sri Lee Kim Shin, Deputy State Secretary (Economic Planning and Development) Datu Dr Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel, and Miri Port Authority chairman Datuk Paulus Palu Ngumbang.
Sarawak’s rapid growth, lofty plans should not be seen as desire for independence: Premier Abang Johari
Led by Premier Abang Johari Openg, Sarawak is making moves to cement its status as one of Malaysia’s most important states and has likened itself to the economic powerhouse region of Bavaria in Germany. KUCHING: In a lounge on the highest floor of the Wisma Bapa administrative building near downtown Kuching in Malaysia’s Sarawak state, the walls are black and marble with ornate gold trims. The floor is fully carpeted, the ceiling boasts chandeliers, and sofas line every corner of the spacious room. The lounge is part of the office of Sarawak’s Premier Abang Johari Openg, a key figure in the autonomous state. Stacked on coffee tables are news magazines outlining Mr Abang Johari’s achievements and grand ambitions for Sarawak, which has massive oil and gas reserves and is well on track to have its own port, airline and financial institution. And these grand plans have given the Premier the confidence to tout his state’s prowess and positioning in Malaysia as similar to the Bavaria region in Germany – known as an economic powerhouse there. In recent years, Sarawak has retaken Bintulu Port from the federal government, bought over regional airline MASwings from the national flag carrier Malaysia Airlines, and is in the final stages of acquiring a controlling stake in Affin Bank. These moves are necessary for Sarawak to “go forward”, while the state’s riches mean it can afford to give back to its people, Mr Abang Johari said in a wide-ranging interview with CNA in August. In December 2023, he unveiled a plan to provide free tertiary education for Sarawakians in state-owned universities from 2026. The idea of free tertiary education for Sarawak natives was first mooted by Mr Abang Johari as part of his birthday wish in August 2022. “For any country to develop, you need quality human resources, and that is where I think with good education behind them, you can get people out of poverty,” he told CNA at Wisma Bapa. “It is more so when you have the economic ecosystem that allows them to make use of what they know to develop further.”
Fed government officially green lights Sarawak’s cancer centre, construction to start year-end
KUCHING, July 9: The Federal government has officially approved the establishment of the Sarawak Cancer Centre in Kota Samarahan, says Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. “I just got the news today. I was informed that the Federal government has agreed for us to set up our cancer centre,” he said. He said the Sarawak government would proceed with the construction, which costs over a billion ringgit, using funds from the State coffers, and the Federal government would reimburse the amount as welfare assistance later. Abang Johari said once Sarawak has its own cancer centre here, cancer patients in the State would no longer have to travel to Kuala Lumpur and spend a fortune on transportation. “If we rely on Kuala Lumpur, it’s very costly, and people may not able to get the treatment. “One is going there, and the family may follow. The fare will be high. Going over to KL could cost over RM1,000 and the economy is bad now. “So, being the head of the State government, I told the Federal government that as long as they agree, we build first and they’ll reimburse later,” he said during the 8th Asia Pacific Conference on Public Health (APCPH) official opening and gala dinner here today. When speaking to the press after the event, Abang Johari added that the construction of the Sarawak Cancer Centre is scheduled to begin by the end of the year. He said the cancer centre would be equipped with 300 beds, similar to each of the three new private hospital that are coming up in Sarawak in the next five years. Also present at the even were APCPH via vice chariman Dr Tahir Aris, Opar assemblyman Billy Sujang, and Kuching South City COuncil (MBKS) mayor representing Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.
Malaysia’s Sarawak seeks billion-dollar gains in global decarbonisation market
Source: Malaysia’s Sarawak seeks billion-dollar gains in global decarbonisation market
