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
Abang Johari: New Kuching International Airport modelled after Hamad International Airport in Qatar
KUCHING, June 7 — The new Kuching International Airport (KIA) will be modelled on the Hamad International Airport in Doha, Qatar, Premier Minister Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg said here today. He said the state government is engaging consultants, who may be involved in the airport construction in Doha, to develop the planning for the construction of the new KIA. “The planning is expected to be completed within three years, and after which construction work will begin and how much the estimated costs will be known,” he told reporters. He was asked after witnessing the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Innocement Sdn Bhd and PMW Industries Sdn Bhd on collaboration for the development of a manufacturing facility for the production of concrete products in Tanjung Manis in Sarikei Division. Abang Johari said the state government proposed building a new international standard airport based on the state’s long-term needs. “We want Kuching to become a hub with the airport that is capable of handling 15 million arrivals a year. “If we look at the development in South-east Asia, what we need is an airport with international standards equipped with the latest facilities including state-of-art information technology,” he added. He stressed the airport will become one of the catalysts to spur the state’s economy, especially in terms of air connectivity that will boost the tourism industry. “What I am saying is that we have two major projects in the pipeline that will expand our economy beyond 2030. “One is an airport and another a deep sea port at Tanjung Embang in western Sarawak,” he said. He said these two are strategic matters in the state government’s effort to make Kuching become a hub, saying that Sarawak is on the western part of Borneo which is along the shipping and flight routes from the east to the west.
Miri sets up command centre as partof smart city initiative
Miri, May 29: Miri City is now embarking on the second phase of the Smart City Initiatives which will include the Miri City Command Centre, expansion of Safe Park and Safe City Initiatives and further digitisation of Miri City Council processes and documentation.Unveiling this, Miri City Council (MCC) mayor Adam Yii said Miri City is fortunate that it was selected as the pioneer city for the Smart City Initiatives by Sarawak government on Jan 30, 2020 and a total of 10 smart applications have been successfully implemented under Phase 1 of the Miri Smart City Initiatives so far. He said Miri City presently has a population of about 350,000, and a land size of about 5,200 sq km.“To put the land size in perspective, Miri City is about 7 times the size of Singapore since the land size of Singapore is about 734.3 sq km,” said Yii at the Kenyalang Smart City Summit organised by Imasa Dinasti Sdn Bhd, the developer of Kenyalang Smart City (KSC) Development. The event attracted over 50 local and international investors from the Middle East and Asia, including the Republic of China, Australia, Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia with the purpose to learn more about Kenyalang Smart City Development and associated investment opportunities. “Miri City is in dire need of a proper convention centre in order to host bigger events. Therefore, the convention centre included in the Kenyalang Smart City Development Project is much welcomed,” said Yii.For the foreign guests, Yii who is also Pujut assemblyman, gave a short historical account of Miri City.Miri City came to existence basically when oil was found, developed and produced in 1910 by Shell with the first well drilled on top of the Canada Hill. The hill was named Canada Hill by the local people, because the first drillers working there were Canadians. Due to its historical significance, the Grand Old Lady and a petroleum museum were erected on the site. Miri from then on developed from a small fishing village to what it is now, and has been commonly known as the “oil town”. “Interestingly, Shell as an oil company also has its origin in Miri. Shell was a trading company before it became an oil company,” said Yii. During WWII, the first point of landing by the Imperial Japanese Army on the island of Borneo was also in Miri where the objective was to take over the oilfields of Miri. “And due to the presence of a sizable community of expatriates and their families working and living in Miri since the discovery of oil, Miri has a much more cosmopolitan character as compared to other places in Sarawak,” said Yii. Also present were Deputy Premier Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian, Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (MTCP) Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, Deputy MTCP Minister Datuk Sebastian Ting and other dignitaries. – DayakDaily
Integrate ESG principles into economic, industrial policies for business sustainability, says S’wak deputy minister
MIRI (May 28): Integration of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles by the Sarawak government into its economic and industrial policies underscores the emphasis on sustainable development and responsible governance, said Datuk Dr Malcolm Mussen Lamoh, Deputy Minister of International Trade, Industry and Investment (Mintred). Speaking at the Environmental, Social and Governance Training workshop here today, he said this commitment fosters an environment where businesses can thrive while adhering to high standards of ESG compliance, embedding these principles into the fabric of Sarawak’s industrial and commercial activities. He noted that Sarawak is rapidly becoming a magnet for foreign investors, with notable expansion projects and substantial investments underway in the state, and Sarawak’s journey towards ESG compliance is aligned with the global shift towards sustainability. “We must recognise that our local actions have global implications. By adopting and adhering to ESG principles, Sarawak can set a benchmark for other regions and states, showcasing that economic development and environmental sustainability can go hand in hand,” he said, adding this resonates with Sarawak’s Post-Covid Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 roadmap to become a thriving, resilient and sustainable region, emphasising innovation, inclusivity and environmental stewardship. Furthermore, Sarawak’s dedication to sustainable development has attracted global attention, garnering favourable ratings from respected international rating agencies such as Standard and Poor’s and Moody’s Investor Services. These endorsements, he pointed out, validate Sarawak’s strategy to attract high-quality investments and drive large-scale development, all while adhering to ESG principles. In addition, it has implemented robust policies and procedures to ensure transparency, integrity and good governance, with a strong focus on improving the ease of doing business in accordance with ESG principles. One of the steps taken by Mintred is training workshops which serve as a platform to equip industries and stakeholders with the knowledge and tools necessary to implement effective ESG strategies so that businesses remain competitive and sustainable in the global market, he said. He commended the organisers, InvestSarawak, who have been working closely with his ministry, UN Global Compact Network Malaysia and Brunei (UNGCMYB) and Alliance Bank for holding this significant event in Miri. He said the support of speakers, participants, business chambers and associations underscored their collective dedication and commitment to this cause. “Your efforts are crucial in driving the ESG agenda forward and ensuring that Sarawak remains at the forefront of sustainable development,” he added.
Sarawakians can apply for carbon trading licences online from December
KUCHING: Sarawakians can now participate in carbon trading, with online licence applications opening in December. Deputy Minister of Energy and Environmental Sustainability Datuk Dr. Hazland Abang Hipni, said that those with at least 100 hectares of land can apply for a carbon trading licence. He said the eligible land must be privately owned with a grant or be surveyed as Native Customary Rights (NCR) land. “Carbon trading offers a new income source for the people. Licences can be obtained through our ministry. “We also permit smaller land parcels to be combined to meet the 100-hectare requirement, subject to certain conditions. “All relevant information will be available by December. Online applications will open then, with applicable fees and so on,” he said when officiating at the Sarawak Lestari ‘Keterangkuman’ Seminar at Pustaka Sarawak today. In addition to being taxed, Dr. Hazland noted that registered landowners will face restrictions, including a prohibition on tree cutting according to a set cycle. For the first cycle, trees in the licensed area cannot be cut for 30 years. He urged Sarawakians, especially villagers, to engage in this nature-based climate solution. “This is an easy way for people to contribute to climate solutions. Just plant trees. “If global carbon emissions are not addressed, by 2050, the temperature increase will be much higher, causing irreversible damage to the planet. “The 17th Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) – partnership for the goals, is crucial. We all must play our part,” he said.
Sarawak commits to renewable energy leadership, seeks international collaboration
BANGKOK: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has underscored Sarawak’s commitment to harnessing and maximising its renewable energy resources through international collaboration and technological learning. Stating how Sarawak is blessed with natural resources that can generate renewable energy, he said the Sarawak government is actively seeking solutions through the latest technology to add value to these resources. “The whole world is looking at us (Sarawak) because we have the vision, and we want to translate our vision into action. “What is important now is the execution action. If you have the vision, but you do not execute it, it remains just a vision.” Abang Johari made these remarks during a press conference after delivering his keynote address at the Future Energy Asia Strategic Summit 2024. He said Sarawak’s push for green economy is in line with global transition from coal and fossil fuel to clean and renewable energy. He added that Sarawak can manage its economy sustainably while incorporating the latest technologies by prioritising clean energy. “Sarawak’s energy generation mix comprises 70 per cent hydropower and supplemented by a small percentage of natural gas and coal which is slated for phase-out. “This actually places Sarawak ahead of the 2050 net zero or carbon neutrality target which means we are achieving carbon negativity well before the deadline.” Abang Johari said Sarawak has the advantage of sharing this success with the world thus inviting collaboration for technological partnership. At the same time, he pointed out that Sarawak has emerged as a key player for interconnection in assisting the fulfilment of the Asean Power Grid. He said through Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB), Sarawak is supplying energy needed by Indonesia in East and West Kalimantan. “We are also supplying energy to Singapore and Brunei which means we are assisting three neighbouring countries. If we scale up our production, we can create more job opportunities and economic growth in the region.”
Move to make hydrogen accessible throughout Sarawak
BANGKOK: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has shared his vision of making hydrogen readily accessible across Sarawak. Noting how Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) Energy is pioneering the hydrogen revolution in Sarawak, he said Sarawak is committed to pioneering innovative solutions that will not only power the state’s economy but also safeguard the environment for generations to come. “SEDC Energy is positioning Sarawak at the forefront of the hydrogen economy thus setting a new standard for sustainable energy in Malaysia and Southeast Asia through visionary initiatives. “A cornerstone of this endeavour is the development of a state-wide network of Flagship Multi-fuel Stations (MPS) with a particular emphasis on hydrogen refuelling. “Our vision is to make hydrogen readily accessible across Sarawak. These stations will not only serve as refuelling hubs for hydrogen vehicles but will also symbolise our unwavering commitment to clean, efficient, and sustainable transportation,” he said. He said this during his keynote address at the Future Energy Asia 2024 here today. Abang Johari said Sarawak’s ambition extend beyond transportation as the Sarawak government envisions hydrogen as a versatile and sustainable feedstock for a multitude of industries. “One particularly promising avenue is the production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). By harnessing the power of hydrogen in conjunction with renewable resources like algae oil, we can create a cleaner, greener alternative to conventional jet fuel, significantly reducing the carbon footprint of air travel. “In essence, hydrogen is not merely a fuel; it is a catalyst for a greener, more resilient Sarawak. By embracing hydrogen, we are not only diversifying our energy mix but also unlocking a world of possibilities for economic growth, job creation, and environmental stewardship,” he said.
Premier outlines 10-20-30 as sustainable energy future for Sarawak
BANGKOK: 10, 20 and 30 are the main numbers for Sarawak’s energy vision moving forward. This grand vision was outlined by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, signifying Sarawak’s target of generating 10 gigawatts of energy capacity by the year 2030. “This is a simple way to remember the vision for a sustainable energy future for Sarawak. Our commitment to sustainability and renewable energy remains unwavering. “The generation of the 10 gigawatts of energy will predominantly be sourced from renewable sources such as hydropower, solar, gas turbine, and biomass energy,” he said. He said this during his keynote address at the Future Energy Asia Strategic Summit 2024 here today. Abang Johari said Sarawak is giving priority to investments in renewable energy, particularly renewable hydropower to propel the state’s growth forward with three pivotal targets for the energy sector being outlined. He said the Sarawak’s commitment to renewable hydropower has created opportunities for the state to develop bilateral transmission interconnections with Southeast Asian neighbours. “We are sharing our renewable resources and accelerating regional energy transition. This is in line with our regional renewable energy powerhouse ambitions. “In 2016, we took the first step in driving a Trans Borneo Grid with the commissioning of Sarawak’s first international and transboundary interconnection to West Kalimantan, Indonesia. “Sarawak has continued to build on our strong relationship with our Indonesian neighbours, progressing the Mentarang Induk Hydroelectric Project or MIHEP in North Kalimantan via a joint venture company with our Indonesian partners,” he said. Abang Johari stressed that Sarawak’s commitment to sustainability reaches beyond Borneo as the state is actively contributing to the ASEAN Power Grid initiative. “In collaboration with partners such as Sembcorp Utilities and Singapore Power International, Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) has undertaken technical studies for Sarawak-Singapore interconnection. “This project brings us closer to achieving regional energy integration and sustainability goals,” he said.
