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Free Malaysia Today
17-07-2025
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Petros looking to develop CCUS hubs in Sarawak
Petros plays a key role in transforming Sarawak into a low-carbon economic hub, said the company's senior vice-president of Sarawak resource management, Abang Arabi Abang Narudin. (Petros pic) PETALING JAYA : Petroleum Sarawak Bhd (Petros) is working on developing two carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) hubs in the Bornean state. Petros senior vice-president of Sarawak resource management, Abang Arabi Abang Narudin, said the two hubs would be part of efforts to prepare infrastructure to allow for low-cost CCUS. 'Sarawak is focused on developing infrastructure. The purpose of these hubs is to provide shared infrastructure so we can achieve economies of scale. 'That way, CCUS will become more affordable,' he said, according to state-owned broadcaster TVS. Abang Arabi said while CCUS technology had long existed, resources needed to be used and optimised to reduce costs and make it more affordable. 'Clarity in terms of policies and regulations is also very important because investors investing in CCUS need some certainty as to how business is done here. 'This includes whether they will need a licence and permit, because CCUS investments are long-term in nature,' he said. He added that Petros played a key role in transforming Sarawak into a low-carbon economic hub. Abang Jo eyes sovereign wealth fund role for Petros Several days ago, Nikkei Asia quoted Sarawak premier Abang Johari Openg as saying he envisioned Petros playing the role of a sovereign wealth fund with investments in sectors beyond oil and gas. The Gabungan Parti Sarawak chairman said he was taking a leaf out of Singapore and the city-state's funds, Temasek Holdings Pte Ltd and GIC Pte Ltd. 'If Petros (has) the strength, the muscle, why not invest in other areas?' he was quoted as saying. He also said this would be more of a business decision by the company than a state government decision. Abang Johari said portions of Petros's revenue from its ventures should naturally be channelled back to the state, since it was fully owned by the Sarawak government. The premier launched the Sarawak Sovereign Wealth Future Fund last year, with the state government to set aside RM400 million to RM600 million annually for the fund. In May, it was given the go-ahead from the relevant authorities to make global investments, which Abang Johari described as crucial for diversifying the fund's portfolio.
Borneo Post
15-07-2025
- Science
- Borneo Post
Deputy Minister: New Bako Research Station to bolster Sarawak's biodiversity, conservation efforts
Len Talif (second left) signs the plaque during the launch. Also seen are Abang Arabi (right), Sulong (left) and Dr Ahmad Hata (second right). – Photo by Roystein Emmor KUCHING: The newly established Bako Research Station at Bako National Park near will enable researchers to conduct more in-depth biodiversity and climate-related studies, said Datuk Len Talif Salleh. The Deputy Minister for Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment said the research station, which will be utilised primarily by Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas), represents a significant step forward in enhancing research collaboration and advancing Sarawak's conservation and sustainability agenda. 'This is a historic day for us. While the research station is located within Bako National Park, we hope its use will extend beyond the park's boundaries, particularly to the surrounding ecosystems such as the nearby mudflats and Kuching Wetlands Ramsar Site,' he told reporters after officiating at the station's launch at the national park here yesterday. Gazetted in 1957 as Sarawak's first national park, Bako covers 2,742 hectares at the tip of the Muara Tebas peninsula and is renowned for its rich biodiversity. The park is also part of the Sarawak Delta Geopark, which recently underwent final evaluation for the Unesco Global Geopark status. Len Talif said the dynamic nature of biodiversity within the park reinforces the need for continuous research, especially in light of growing environmental challenges such as climate change. 'We already have extensive data collected over the years, but because biodiversity here is dynamic, we need to continue monitoring changes and understand how climate change impacts the environment and wildlife ― not just here but across Sarawak,' he said. He also called for greater community involvement in research-related efforts, particularly in areas such as the mudflats where local residents depend on natural resources such as 'ambal' (razor clams) for their livelihoods. 'I have proposed meaningful engagement between Unimas and the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) to see how the community here can benefit. This is to ensure proper mudflat management where research outcomes can be utilised by students or any experts interested in this area,' he said. Len Talif highlighted Bako's potential as a hub for cross-disciplinary and international research, urging universities beyond Unimas to explore collaboration opportunities with SFC. 'Unimas and SFC can form a strong synergy and elevate Sarawak's visibility on the international stage. 'With the right partnerships, we can turn this into a gold standard research hub ― supporting not just academic excellence but also better park management and conservation outcomes,' he added. He emphasised that public education is crucial to dispel misconceptions about national parks, particularly the belief that gazetting an area for conservation deprives local communities of opportunities. Len Talif (fifth left), Abang Arabi (fourth left), Sulong (sixth left), Dr Ahmad Hata (eighth left) join other dignitaries in the ribbon-cutting ceremony to symbolically officiate the launch of the Bako Research Station. – Photo by Roystein Emmor 'Many do not realise that national parks bring long-term benefits, not only for the ecosystem but also for the people who live in or around them. This is why education and outreach are key,' he stressed. Earlier, Unimas vice chancellor Prof Dr Ahmad Hata Rasit said Bako Research Station marks the university's first facility, a result of ongoing collaboration between Unimas and SFC. 'This research station plays a vital role in Unimas' plan to elevate the Institute of Biodiversity and Environmental Conservation (IBEC) into a Higher Institution Centre of Excellence (HICoE) under the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia, and to establish it as a Biodiversity NEXUS not just nationally, but globally,' he said. He said that the station strengthens the role of Unimas and Sarawak as leaders in biodiversity research and environmental conservation, particularly in the context of tropical forest ecosystems. 'The strategic location within Bako National Park will serve as a field research hub not only in biodiversity, but also for sociocultural studies and sustainable tourism. 'With this station in place, researchers will be able to carry out field data collection more efficiently,' he said. He added that the station will serve not only Unimas students and lecturers but also international researchers and other relevant external agencies as a reference and training site. 'I am confident that this initiative will be the foundation for many impactful research endeavours contributing not only to academic advancement but also to the preservation of Sarawak's natural heritage,' said Dr Ahmad Hata. Also present at the launch were Unimas Board of Directors chairman Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima Sulong Matjeraie and SFC general manager Abang Arabi Abang Aimran. Bako National Park Bako Research Station biodiversity Len Talif Salleh
Borneo Post
02-07-2025
- General
- Borneo Post
Coral reef clean-up collects 5kg underwater waste
Majang sounds the air horn to mark the start of the reef clean-up programme. On his left is Abang Arabi. BINTULU (July 2): A clean-up programme covering the Patricia Reef Seabed offshore here, led by Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) and Bintulu Port Authority (BPA), recorded a total of 5kg of underwater waste. The exercise on Monday, run under the Coral Reef and Reef Ball for Ecosystem Enhancement and Stewardship (COREEFS) 2025, also involved a number of government agencies and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development Dato Majang Renggi officiated at the programme kick-off at the Marine Police jetty base, which earlier gathered 62 volunteer divers and boat crew members coming for the seabed clean-up works. 'In this era of rapid development, the importance of marine conservation cannot be overstated. Coral reefs are invaluable natural assets, home to thousands of marine species. 'They support our fishing communities, and serve as key eco-tourism attractions as well,' Majang, who is Samalaju assemblyman, said in his speech. According to him, the COREEFS project aligns with the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030, which prioritises green economy and sustainable development. 'Today's clean-up is more than just symbolic; it's a proactive step towards marine habitat's restoration, scientific research, environmental education and direct community involvement,' he added. Majang also said advanced technologies such as seabed mapping, the Geographic Information System (GIS), and reef ball structures were being employed, demonstrating Sarawak's forward-thinking approach to conservation. 'Previous successes like the BEACON Project at Similajau National Park back in 2017, and the eco-marine programme at Miri-Sibuti Coral Reef National Park in 2020, set the stage for this impactful initiative. 'Congratulations to all involved, from the dedicated volunteers and professional divers, to strategic partners and organising agencies. Let us continue to cultivate the love for nature and strive for a greener, cleaner, and more resilient Sarawak.' Also present were SFC general manager Abang Arabi Abang Aimran and BPA acting head Capt Zakhir Khan Yusop.
Borneo Post
26-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Awg Tengah: Sarawak's reef ball project shows promising results, gains global recognition
Abang Arabi (third left) presents a souvenir to Awang Tengah during the Sarawak Reef Ball Phase 2 project launch in Lawas today. LAWAS (June 26): Sarawak's reef ball barrier project, which has been rolled out since 2018, has shown promising signs of restoring the marine ecosystem, protecting habitats, and increasing fish stocks in designated areas, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan. He said the state is currently in the final stages of deploying 300 units of reef ball structures under the Phase 2 project, across six clusters designated as Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs). 'This initiative is not just a conservation project, but a symbol of the Sarawak government's commitment to ensuring that the state's natural resources are protected and sustainably utilised for future generations as well as to strengthen the implementation of the blue economy in Sarawak. 'This is in line with the framework we are implementing, led by the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030), and supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) agenda, especially SDG14,' he said at the launch of the Sarawak Reef Ball Phase 2 project in Kampung Awat-Awat here today, representing Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. Also present were State Deputy Minister of Food Industry, Commodities and Regional Development, Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail; Lawas MP Dato Henry Sum Agong; Batu Danau assemblyman Dato Paulus Palu Gumbang; Political Secretary to the Premier, Awangku Jinal Abedin Dato Pengiran Jawa; Northern Region Development Agency director Datu Ubaidillah Latip; and Sarawak Forestry Corporation general manager Abang Arabi Abang Aimran. Awang Tengah, who is also State Minister of International Trade, Industry and Investment, said the project is part of the continued development of the Tukun Reef Ball corridor along the Sarawak coastline. 'In 2022, the Sarawak government was recognised by the Reef Ball Development Group based in the United States for successfully establishing the world's longest reef ball barrier, stretching 746 kilometres. 'I understand that it will provide new fishing grounds or sport fishing spots for the people of Lawas, especially from Sundar to Awat-Awat. 'In 2019, six fishing locations were created from Bukit Sari to Punang. This brings the total to 12 sport fishing spots in Lawas' coastal waters. 'It is part of the continued development of the Tukun Reef Ball corridor along the Sarawak coast,' he said. Awang Tengah Lawas reef balls
The Sun
04-06-2025
- General
- The Sun
Investigation on stirring appearance of Bornean clouded leopard
KUCHING: The Sarawak Forestry Corporation's (SFC) Swift Wildlife Action Team (SWAT) has been dispatched to Matu in the central Mukah Division of Sarawak, following the recent sighting of a Bornean clouded leopard (Neofelis diardi borneensis) there. SFC general manager Abang Arabi Abang Aimran said the team would investigate the alleged appearance of the carnivore on a road in Matu, a video recording of which has gone viral on social media since yesterday. 'SFC views this matter seriously and has sent a SWAT team to assess the situation, which has gone viral on Facebook,' he said in a statement on the SFC's official Facebook page. According to him, SFC takes the daylight discovery of the nocturnal wildlife, which is categorised as fully protected under the Sarawak Wildlife Protection Ordinance 1998, with great interest and concern and advises residents living near the location to be more vigilant and avoid any close interaction. 'Wildlife is an invaluable asset and their protection is a shared responsibility,' he said. Abang Arabi said the discovery of the clouded leopard during broad daylight and in an area close to humans indicated the possibility of habitat disturbance or a lack of food sources in the surrounding forest clusters. However, SFC views this exciting discovery as a positive indication that Sarawak is still a natural habitat for wild animal species that are fully protected. 'This proves the success of the Sarawak government's continuous efforts through SFC in preserving and protecting the state's biodiversity,' he said. In the viral video, the clouded leopard appeared to be non-aggressive and was seen eating scraps on the road during the day and did not react to the family who filmed it from their car while passing through the area. Bernama's search on the internet found that the Bornean clouded leopard is a nocturnal mammal included in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species, with its population estimated at only around 3,800 in the archipelago.
