Julaihi: Petros’ role as sole gas aggregator non-negotiable, all parties must comply with law
KUCHING (Nov 13): Petroleum Sarawak Berhad’s (Petros) appointment as the state’s sole gas aggregator is non-negotiable, said Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi. He stressed that the Distribution of Gas Ordinance 2016, amended in 2023, is a law that seeks to ensure all parties, including Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas), comply with the licensing requirements set out. “The Sarawak government, through Petros, is still in technical discussions with Petronas to ensure compliance with all requirements under the Ordinance. “These discussions between Petros and Petronas do not involve any negotiations on Petros’ appointment as the sole gas aggregator. “Therefore, I would like to emphasise once again that the appointment of Petros as the sole aggregator is non-negotiable, meaning no other gas aggregator exists in Sarawak except Petros,” he stressed during the question-and-answer session at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) today. He was responding to a question from Lidam Assan (GPS-Katibas) on whether the appointment of Petros as the sole gas aggregator for Sarawak was fully completed, which was also asked by Safiee Ahmad (GPS-Daro), Royston Valentine (GPS-Tellian), and Iskandar Turkee (GPS-Jepak). “Therefore, I will address all these questions together. The appointment of Petros as the sole gas aggregator is effective from Feb 1, 2024. “There are no other gas aggregators in Sarawak except Petros,” he said. Julaihi added that the latest developments in Petros’ role as the sole gas aggregator in Sarawak include several Gas Sales Agreements (GSAs) which have been signed with downstream gas users including Sarawak Petchem Sdn Bhd on July 22, 2024; Sarawak Energy Berhad on July 22, 2024; and Shell MDS Sdn Bhd on Aug 18, 2024. He said the Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication has issued Retail of Gas licences to 13 upstream gas players and 10 downstream gas players to date. “Failure to comply with the licensing requirement is an offence under Section 20 of the Ordinance,” he said. As the sole gas aggregator, he explained that Petros, a Sarawak government-owned company, is responsible for carrying out all activities related to the procurement, supply, distribution, and sale of natural gas in the state. He said Petros is also accountable for the planning, development, operation, and maintenance of the natural gas distribution network system in Sarawak.
State Budget 2025: RM1,200 pocket money for S’wakian students studying in higher learning institutions
KUCHING (Nov 11): Sarawakian students studying in higher learning institutions across the country will receive pocket money of RM1,200 next year. Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said this special financial assistance will benefit 25,000 Sarawakian students from families of lower income groups with household per capita income of RM1,500 or below per month. “The money given is to be spent on food and essential goods to help them mitigate the cost of living. “Under this Budget, a sum of RM30 million will be allocated for this purpose,” he said when tabling the State Budget 2025 at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Sitting here today. Abang Johari said the RM500 book vouchers and free laptop for Sarawakian students initiatives, which were launched in August this year, will also be continued in 2025. “A sum of RM2 million will be allocated for the book vouchers where RM500 is allocated per person for public and private higher-learning institutions Sarawakian students for households with per capita income of RM1,500 per month and below. “The free laptop assistance to Sarawakian students who have successfully enrolled into public and private higher-learning institutions for households with per capita income of RM1,500 per month and below will empower our students with the essential technology they need to excel in their academic pursuits with an allocation of RM30.5 million next year, which will benefit 10,166 students,” he said. He also said that the Sarawak government will continue to provide annual operating grants to state-owned universities and colleges where for 2025, a sum of RM35 million will be allocated to University Technology Sarawak, RM30 million to Sarawak Skills Development Centre, RM30 million to i-CATS University College, and RM5.5 million to Kolej Laila Taib. Other allocations under the State Budget 2025 to enhance Sarawak’s education system and facilities included an allocation of RM20 million for the Sarawak Education Enhancement Programme (SEEP), a joint free tuition initiative for Form 4 and 5 students in core subjects Science, Mathematics, English and History as well as pure science subjects, with an expansion in the programme’s coverage; RM4.6 million for the teaching of Science and Mathematics in English (Dual Language Programme); and RM27 million to cover the operation cost of three state-owned international schools in Petra Jaya, Mile 12 Kuching-Serian Road, and Sibu, the latter of which is scheduled to be completed by the end of this year. Under the early childhood sector, Abang Johari said RM20 million will be allocated to state-owned early childhood provider SeDidik, and a sum of RM14 million for the annual special grant to all registered early childhood and care institutions in 2025. “To ease the burden of parents, an allocation of RM2.5 million will also be allocated next year for Tadika and Taska fee subsidies. “This will benefit 2,500 children whose parents’ monthly income is RM7,000 and below. By providing this assistance, we aim to increase Sarawak children’s access to early childhood education,” he said.
RM321 mln Batang Rajang Bridge to be completed by March 2025
By DayakDaily Team SARIKEI, Nov 8: The RM321 million Batang Rajang Bridge is expected to be fully completed by March next year, two months ahead of schedule. Deputy Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, who is also the Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development (MIPD), expressed his satisfaction with the project’s progress during a stitching ceremony for the bridge at the site today. “This project marks a milestone that will drive regional connectivity,” he said as quoted by Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR) in a Facebook post today. The bridge is expected to reduce dependence on the existing Sibu-Tanjung Manis Road and provide a shorter route between these areas. The bridge’s completion will see a reduction in the journey between Sarikei and Tanjung Manis from 122 kilometres (km) to 53km with travel time cut short from 2 hours and 30 minutes to 45 minutes. Meanwhile, for the journey from Bintangor to Tanjung Manis, the travel distance will be reduced from 108km to 60km, cutting down the travel time from two hours to one hour only. Also present were Deputy Minister for Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Datuk Len Talif Salleh, who is also Kuala Rajang assemblyman; MIPD permanent secretary Datu Chew Chee Yaw; Pakan assemblyman Tan Sri William Mawan Ikom; Meluan assemblyman Rolland Duat Jubin; Sarikei Resident Datu Michael Ronnie Langgong and Sarawak JKR acting director Wisil Lichok. DayakDaily
Awg Tengah: Talent devt across various sectors vital in ensuring Sarawak’s status on global platform
KUCHING (April 24): Sarawak is looking into developing talents in the design of semiconductor products using silicon, germanium and gallium arsenide, says Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan. He was cited by Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas) in a report as saying that this could be achieved by enhancing collaboration with industry players in the UK. “Talent development in various sectors for the people of Sarawak is important to ensure Sarawak’s position in the global platform. “Sarawak designers are capable of being on par with international designers, given that there are now foreign companies that have bought semiconductor products produced in Sarawak,” said Awang Tengah, who is part of the Sarawak delegation led by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg in a working visit to the UK. They inspected the advanced technology employed at the Drax Power Station and oversaw the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Sarawak Microelectronics (SMD) Semiconductor and UK-based CSA Catapult. The delegation is now in Poznan, Poland where the Premier is set to present Sarawak’s role in renewable energy security, decarbonisation, and environmental sustainability at the Central European Hydrogen Technology Forum. On another matter, Awang Tengah, who is also the Second Minister of Natural Resources and Urban Development, said Samalaju High Tech Park remained one of the good locations for foreign companies to come and establish their companies with a workforce made up of local residents, and it could also be used as a place where talent development could be forwarded. On biomass technology, Awang Tengah – also the Minister of International Trade, Industry and Investment Sarawak – said the visit to the Drax Power Plant in Leeds in the UK, was very fruitful and significant because it showed the delegation present how wood pellets were used to generate clean energy in the United Kingdom. “In this regard, a local company like Samling has exported wood pellets to foreign countries for that purpose. “Therefore, we have the potential to develop technology using wood pellets to generate energy in the near future,” he said.
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.
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.
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
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.
Malaysia’s Sarawak seeks billion-dollar gains in global decarbonisation market
Source: Malaysia’s Sarawak seeks billion-dollar gains in global decarbonisation market
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.
