Sarawak plans to open trade and tourism office in Abu Dhabi
By DayakDaily Team ABU DHABI, Nov 6: The Sarawak government is planning to open a Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE) as part of its efforts to strengthen strategic cooperation with the country. According to a report by Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas), Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said that a suitable location for the office in Abu Dhabi is still being identified. If the plan materialises, he said the office will be managed by Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros) and Sarawak Energy Berhad (Sarawak Energy). “The office placement plan also aims to enhance cooperation with countries in the Middle East and other ASEAN regions, as well as share technology with Abu Dhabi. “Abu Dhabi already has a data centre powered by renewable energy through solar, and they have partnerships with investors. “If we find compatibility between the Middle East and us, there is potential at the ASEAN level to foster close cooperation between the Middle East and Asia,” he said during a press conference following his visit to Masdar City, Abu Dhabi, on Tuesday (Nov 5) as part of his working visit to the UAE. Also present were Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, Minister of Utility and Telecommunication (MUT) Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi, Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Deputy Minister of Energy and Environmental Sustainability (MEESty) Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni, Deputy Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Datuk Len Talif Salleh, and Sarawak Energy Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Datuk Sharbini Suhaili. Additionally, the Sarawak Premier noted that the Sarawak office in Abu Dhabi would function similarly to the Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office Singapore (STATOS), the Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office Brunei (STATOB), and the Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office Kalimantan. – DayakDaily
Premier: B40 housing proposal underscores inclusivity in Kuching’s urban development
KUCHING (Nov 10): The Sarawak government plans to allocate a land in Kuching to be developed into affordable housing for the B40 (low-income) group. Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg highlights this as underscoring the government’s commitment to integrating the B40 group into Kuching’s urban development. “We do not want those who are unable to afford houses to be pushed outside of Kuching, to live in distant areas. “Our policy is one of inclusivity; regardless of social status, all citizens should live together. “For the B40 group, the government must provide the necessary assistance for them to acquire houses,” he said during his speech for Sarawak Housing and Real Estate Developers Association (Sheda)’s Excellence Awards 2024, held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) on Saturday night. Adding on, Abang Johari emphasised the importance of providing affordable housing in the urban areas to the B40 group, which would allow them to enhance their livelihood. “If B40 families reside near quality educational institutions, it will offer a better future for their children. “By 2026, if their children are eligible for university education at Sarawak-owned universities, we will cover their university fees. “This initiative will elevate our fellow Sarawakians, equipping them with knowledge so they can pursue any career of their choice and improve their livelihoods,” he explained. On another subject, Abang Johari announced that the state government would allocate land for the construction of new Sheda headquarters. He added that the proposed headquarters building would be located alongside those other professional bodies such as the Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM), the Bumiputera Engineers Association, and the Board of Surveyors and Town Planners. “We have allocated land to these professional organisations, so the Sheda headquarters should ideally be in the same vicinity.” Abang Johari also said a cluster for professional organisations was being planned within the Kuching area, which would feature enhanced connectivity. “This area will include a new route extending from the rear of Unimas (Universiti Malaysia Sarawak) to Pending, eventually linking to the Sejingkat Bridge. The route is expected to be ready by late 2025 or 2026. “With this new route, the area will be effectively integrated into Kuching, with just a 20-minute drive to the city centre. “The Sheda headquarters will be located there,” he said.
InvestSarawak jalin kerjasama dengan Alliance Bank Malaysia Berhad dan UNGCMYB
