InvestSarawak, China Energy ink MoU to develop renewable energy projects
InvestSarawak, China Energy ink MoU to develop renewable energy projects (Seated, from left) Ong and He Lei exchange the signed MoU documents, witnessed by Awang Tengah (back, centre) and other distinguished guests KUCHING (April 17): China Energy Engineering Investment Corporation Limited (CEEIC) and InvestSarawak today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop 2 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy projects and related strategic infrastructure in Sarawak. Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan witnessed the signing ceremony held at a leading hotel here. InvestSarawak CEO Timothy Ong signed the MoU on behalf of the company, while CEEIC was represented by its Chief Economist and General Manager of the Overseas Department, He Lei. According to Awang Tengah, who is Minister of International Trade, Industry and Investment, CEEIC plans to invest US$1.35 billion (RM6.0 billion) into Sarawak’s clean energy sector, focusing on solar, battery storage, and grid infrastructure development. “Sarawak welcomes the strategic investment as it aligns with the region’s vision to harness renewable energy for sustainable development. “We are committed to strengthening Sarawak’s role as a regional hub for green energy and advancing our transition to a low-carbon economy under PCDS (Post Covid-19 Development Strategy) 2030. “This collaboration reinforces Sarawak’s position as a preferred green investment destination and supports its vision to power low-carbon industries in line with the state’s sustainable development goals. “With Sarawak’s strategic move towards low-carbon manufacturing and hydrogen economy under PCDS 2030, the partnership is part of a broader initiative to ensure long-term energy security while advancing the green agenda. “It underscores Sarawak’s commitment to sustainable energy transition and its goal to become a regional renewable energy powerhouse,” he added. Separately, InvestSarawak in a press statement said it is committed to facilitating this strategic investment interest in the region to support renewable energy development in line with Sarawak’s development agenda. “CEEIC is looking to develop approximately 2GW, alongside battery storage facilities and supporting grid infrastructure, to meet Sarawak’s growing industrial and domestic energy demands. “The flagship investment platform of China Energy Engineering Corporation Limited (CEEC) brings global expertise in energy infrastructure development and integrated clean energy systems. “CEEIC is a recognised leader in solar, wind, hydroelectric and biomass energy, as well as energy storage and grid solutions. “It has developed and managed over 12GW of operational and under-construction energy capacity across coal, hydro, wind, solar, biomass, and energy storage projects. “With investments spanning all provinces in China and extending to Vietnam and the Philippines, CEEIC’s notable achievements include Vietnam’s largest Chinese-invested power plant (Hai Duong BOT); the world’s largest light-heat storage project in Xinjiang (1.5 GW); and China’s largest biomass cogeneration facility. “Its green energy initiatives reduce over three million tonnes of CO₂ annually, reinforcing its position as a key driver in low-carbon, sustainable energy infrastructure globally,” added InvestSarawak. CEEIC deputy general manager Wang Honggang was quoted as saying: “We are honoured to partner with InvestSarawak and the Sarawak government in this renewable energy initiative. CEEIC brings with it decades of experience in renewable energy projects globally. “We believe that Sarawak offers tremendous potential for the development of large-scale solar and hybrid energy systems, and we are committed to delivering long-term value through this collaboration. “The potential investment of CEEIC shall be in concert with Sarawak’s power development planning, and implemented into several phases and subject to China’s competent approvals,” he said. Meanwhile, Ong said Sarawak is open for renewable energy investments, and that the collaboration with CEEIC is another step in positioning Sarawak at the forefront of Asean’s green growth corridor. “This collaboration signifies the latest wave of strong renewable energy interest in Sarawak, reinforcing the region’s position as a preferred destination for green investment. “In line with Sarawak’s sustainable development policy and its aspiration to become a regional leader in green growth, the partnership is expected to drive local job creation, accelerate technology transfer, and bolster long-term energy security,” he added. Also present at the signing ceremony were Deputy Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Ibrahim Baki; Deputy Minister for International Trade, Industry and Investment Datuk Dr Malcolm Mussen Lamoh; Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Dr Ripin Lamat; and Sarawak Energy group chief operating officer James Ung.
New requirements for Sarawak – Malaysia My Second Home (S- MM2H) in 2025
The Sarawak government has announced new requirements for the Sarawak – Malaysia My Second Home (S-MM2H) for 2025. The new requirements will take effect on January 1st, 2025. FreeMalaysia Today (FMT) reported Sarawak tourism, creative industry and performing arts minister Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah as saying that the new requirements include requiring the applicant to be at least 30 years of age, and being from a country which has diplomatic relations with Malaysia. Other terms include having a fixed deposit account of RM500,000 with any local bank in Sarawak.If approved, the pass holder must also stay in Sarawak for a minimum of 30 days a year with the pass valid for 5 years before it can be renewed for another five. Karim was also quoted as saying that most of the approved applications for The Sarawak government has announced new requirements for the S-MM2H are from China, United Kingdom, Taiwan, Hong Kong and United States. More details about Sarawak – Malaysia My Second Home (S-MM2H)Checks on the official site for the program note the following terms and conditions as of 16 July 2024, for those keen to make Sarawak their second home. What is S-MM2HSarawak – Malaysia My Second Home (S-MM2H) is a ten year pass allowing non-Malaysians to stay in Sarawak. Pass holders will be given a maximum 5-year pass and need to renew it to claim another 5-year pass. The S-MM2H pass is different from the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) pass in terms of terms and conditions. Who can apply and basic terms of S-MM2HS-MM2H is open to those who are 50 years old and above with no limit of age set for the applicants spouses (if any). Unmarried children below the age of 21 are also allowed under their respective dependent. Those in this category need to show proof they have a fixed deposit of at least RM150K in a local Sarawak bank and a pension letter/employment confirmation with at least RM7K a month. For those without a pension letter or employment confirmation, they will need to have a bank statement that shows they have savings fund of at least RM50K. Those who are within 30-49 years old can also apply for Sarawak-Malaysia My Second Home (S-MM2H) by having at least RM150K in any local bank in Sarawak and a certified pension letter with pension funds of RM7K or monthly offshore income funds of at least RM7K. How do you apply for Sarawak – Malaysia My Second Home (S- MM2H)There are two ways to apply for the Sarawak-Malaysia My Second Home (S-MM2H) namely by direct submission, or via assisted submission. There is no online application. Direct submission means you hand in all the needed application documents to the One-Stop Center of the Ministry of tourism, creative industry and performing arts (MTCP) at Bangunan Baitulmakmur II, Petrajaya Sarawak. Direct submission means applications must be bonded by a sponsor who originated from and is currently staying in Sarawak, with the sponsor only sponsor one application at a time. Assisted Submissions on the other hand involve third parties or Legal Agent for S-MM2H which will help the application as they are the only ones allowed to submit S-MM2H applications. List of Legal Agents for S-MM2H can be seen HERE. The application process will take 90 working days and can be longer if more background checks is required. Official details on S-MM2HFor more details or updated information on the S-MM2H program, you can visit the websites below.Sarawak Tourism
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.
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.
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.
23 European Union Delegates Arrived Safely in Sarawak
Abang Johari (2nd right) at the launch of InvestSarawak while (from left) Ong, Awang Tengah and Julaihi look on. Photo: Mohd Alif Noni KUCHING: The establishment of InvestSarawak is a pivotal initiative by the Sarawak government to facilitate the ease of doing business in the state. Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said InvestSarawak is a one-stop centre (OSC) that aims to transform the investment landscape, increase trade and talent attraction for Sarawak. “InvestSarawak will play a key role serving as facilitator and adviser to provide invaluable local insights to all investors, both foreign and domestic. “They are also under the purview of my ministry, which is the Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment (MINTRED),” he said in his speech during the launching of InvestSarawak and EU Business Day 2024 networking dinner here last night (Feb 14). Invest Sarawak is the state’s investment and trade agency that will play the role of the first point of contact for all investors. In addition, it will act as the key facilitator to all investors across sectors in the development, applications and approvals for investment projects in Sarawak. Touching on the programme, Awang Tengah described it as a good effort to gather local and global thought leaders under one roof, adding that the forum held attracted over 300 participants from more than 100 companies from the European Union (EU). “Sarawak’s unique offerings and Europe’s diverse markets offer huge potentials for mutually beneficial partnerships both in investment and trade. “For the past decade, there were 19 EU investments in Sarawak, specifically from the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany, totalling RM10.66 billion in sectors such as electric and electronic (E&E), basic metal and petroleum products,” he said. Present at the launch were Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, Ambassador of the EU to Malaysia Michalis Rokas, Minister of Women, Early Childhood, Community Wellbeing Development Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah, Utility and Telecommunication Minister Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi, State Secretary Datuk Amar Abu Bakar Marzuki and InvestSarawak chief executive officer Timothy Ong.
Sarawak To Allign With EU On Energy Production
Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg recently announced their cooperation with the European Union (EU) in the energy production sector to reduce the effects of climate change. The cooperation was revealed during his speech at the dinner event held in conjunction with the launch of Invest Sarawak and Business Day, that has been attended by over 400 guests, including state Cabinet ministers, business representatives and 23 delegates from the EU. Abang Johari said the cooperation will involve technological development, especially in hydrogen production. “In line with technology advancement that will reduce dependence on fossil energy, which is constantly increasing in cost, I believe that the cost for hydrogen production will become cheaper within the next five to 10 years,” he said. He said Sarawak is taking the issue of global warming seriously, adding that the state wants to help reduce carbon emissions and the impact of climate change, which resulted in the highest temperature reading last year.
Awang Tengah receives courtesy call from Kuwait petroleum firm delegation
KUCHING (Jan 19): Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan received a courtesy call from Kuwait Foreign Petroleum Exploration Company (KUFPEC) at his office in Wisma Sumber Alam here yesterday. According to a news release, the KUFPEC delegation was led by its country manager Mohamad Al-Sabti. Awang Tengah, who is International Trade, Industry and Investment Minister, chaired the meeting which was held to discuss investment opportunities between Sarawak and KUFPEC in oil and gas. Also present were Deputy International Trade, Industry and Investment Minister Datuk Dr Malcolm Mussen Lamoh and representatives from Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros), Sarawak Energy Berhad and InvestSarawak.
