Latest news with #AbangJohari
Borneo Post
4 hours ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Bintulu-Jepak bridge renamed Tun Taib Mahmud Bridge
A fireworks display lights up the night sky above Tun Taib Mahmud Bridge. BINTULU (July 24): A dazzling fireworks display lit up the night sky above the Bintulu-Jepak bridge last night after it was officially renamed Tun Taib Mahmud Bridge by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. Costing RM466 million and stretching 1.2km across Batang Kemena, the bridge stands as a tribute to the late Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, who served Sarawak as governor and chief minister. Abang Johari said the renaming honours Taib's vision and contributions, particularly for the establishment of the Regional Corridor Development Authority (Recoda) and in laying the foundation for the development of Samalaju. 'I am merely continuing the work of our past leaders. Tun Taib played a key role in setting up Recoda, developing Samalaju, and attracting investments. If he were alive today, he would be amazed by this bridge,' said the Premier. Abang Johari recalled a town hall session in 2017 following the passing of the late Pehin Sri Adenan Satem, where he made three key promises to the people of Bintulu. The first was to build an iconic bridge linking Bintulu and Jepak, akin to San Francisco's iconic Golden Gate Bridge; to implement a second wave of development for Bintulu; and to relocate the Resident's Office and administrative centre from Bintulu town to Jepak. 'Tonight, I've fulfilled those promises,' he declared. He also announced the construction of a new four-lane road linking the bridge to Bintulu Airport, opening the way for urban expansion, including modern residential and commercial zones, as well as affordable housing. Abang Johari revealed that Jepak will be the next area to receive piped gas infrastructure, moving households away from using gas cylinders and towards direct gas supply, a move made possible by Sarawak's own energy company Petros. Earlier yesterday, he officially launched piped gas supply to households in the Sungai Plan housing area. 'Just like Peninsular Malaysia has gas pipelines from Terengganu, we in Sarawak too have abundant gas. That's why we established Petros to develop our own modern infrastructure,' he said. He pointed out Bintulu's growing capacity in power generation, with a new 500-megawatt gas-powered plant under construction. This will add to the existing capacity of 500 megawatts and another upcoming 500-megawatt plant, bringing Bintulu's total generation capacity to 1.5 gigawatts. Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas presents a memento to Abang Johari. Abang Johari also touched on the rapid industrial growth in Samalaju, where more than 10,000 workers are employed. He cited the recent launch of a polysilicon project by OCI and Tokuyama, which will require 200 engineers with priority given to Sarawakian graduates. 'When Sarawak's economy grows, so must our household income. Talented Sarawakian youths must be given the opportunity to serve in these high-paying industries,' he said, adding that education is key to ending poverty. To support this vision, he said the Sarawak government has committed to providing free university education for Sarawakian students starting 2026, particularly in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. 'When investors come, we must also improve facilities including building international schools and creating more high-income job opportunities,' he said. Looking ahead, Abang Johari said Bintulu will see further infrastructure growth under the 13th Malaysia Plan, including the development of an Autonomous Rail Transit (ART) system linking Bintulu to Samalaju, reinforcing its status as a clean, green, and modern town. 'Kuching is already recognised among the world's top 10 cleanest cities. Bintulu will follow suit as a low-carbon, environmentally friendly city,' he said. He pointed out Bintulu has been identified by the World Economic Forum as one of 36 Transition Industrial Clusters globally and the only one in Asia due to its commitment to low-carbon industrial growth. 'With our children graduating with free education, going on to pursue Master's and PhDs, we will continue developing Sarawak with our own talent,' he said. He reaffirmed the government's commitment to increasing Sarawak's revenue and redistributing it through strategic, people-focused development. Abang Johari Tun Taib Mahmud Bridge
New Straits Times
12 hours ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Jepak bridge renamed in honour of Sarawak icon Taib Mahmud
BINTULU: The Jepak bridge, which opened to the public in March, has been officially named the Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud bridge. Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg announced the new name during the official opening ceremony of the RM466.7 million bridge last night. He said the state government's decision to name the bridge after Sarawak's fourth chief minister was to honour his contributions to Bintulu's development. "If he (Abdul Taib) were still alive, he would surely be impressed by the bridge we are inaugurating tonight," he said. According to Abang Johari, Abdul Taib made major contributions by establishing the Regional Corridor Development Authority (RECODA), the state agency responsible for planning and overseeing development under the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) initiative, which subsequently attracted investments to the Samalaju Industrial Park area. The late Abdul Taib, who also served as Sarawak's Head of State, passed away on Feb 21 last year. The iconic bridge was among the development promises made by Abang Johari in 2017 during a dialogue session with the people of Bintulu, shortly after taking office. "I promised to build an iconic bridge like the one (Golden Gate Bridge) in San Francisco. Today, I have fulfilled that promise. This bridge is not only a physical connector but also a symbol of unity and progress for the people," he said. Abang Johari also shared a personal memory involving his late wife, Puan Sri Juma'ani Tun Tuanku Bujang, who passed away last month. She was born in Bintulu but did not live to see the completion of the bridge. "She (Juma'ani) allowed me to serve the people wholeheartedly. Tonight, I am here with my daughter (Dayang Norjihan) to witness the opening of this bridge in memory of her sacrifice," he added. The Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud Bridge, spanning 1.283 kilometres across the Kemena River, connects Bintulu town centre with the fast-developing Jepak area. The bridge shortens travel time between the two areas from more than 30 minutes to just a few minutes. As a symbol of Bintulu's 'second wave' of development, it also plays a key role in opening up a new zone in the Jepak area, featuring state administrative offices, commercial centres, housing projects, and utility infrastructure such as a domestic gas pipeline. Abang Johari said that under this second wave, Bintulu would also see the development of an Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) system stretching from Bintulu to Samalaju, in line with Sarawak's vision of a low-carbon, environmentally friendly city. Sarawak, he added, has also been recognised by the World Economic Forum as the only state in Asia listed under the Transition Industrial Cluster, positioning Bintulu as a hub for green industry and high-tech investment. - BERNAMA
New Straits Times
14 hours ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Petros launches piped natural gas to Bintulu households
BINTULU: Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros) today marked a key milestone with the official launch of piped natural gas supply to households in Sungai Plan, Bintulu, bringing direct energy access to local households for the first time since natural gas processing operations began in Bintulu in 1982. Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg said the launch was the first step to distribute gas to the people so they could benefit from the natural gas supply obtained from the state. "The state government has launched the broader Sarawak Gas Roadmap (SGR) so that we can supply gas throughout the state through a gas pipeline system," he told reporters after the launch. He said the distribution of gas through a pipeline was not new as it had been done in Lutong before the formation of Malaysia. He said the power to distribute gas, from the start to the buyers, must be managed by Sarawak through the appointment of Petros as the sole gas aggregator. Abang Johari said the first piped gas to the Sungai Plan project is Petros' first residential piped gas supply initiative in Bintulu and marks a tangible step towards bringing Sarawak's gas resources directly to its people. Petros group chief executive officer Datuk Janin Girie, in a statement, said the pilot phase involved the construction of a dedicated reticulation system, which includes a newly built city gate station, over 3km of distribution pipeline, and internal piping for the initial 39 connected households. He said Petros aimed to extend gas coverage to over 3,500 households in the Sungai Plan area by the end of 2027. He said this infrastructure delivers natural gas directly to homes for cooking and other domestic uses, offering residents a cleaner, more convenient, and cost-effective alternative to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). "By providing direct access to natural gas, we are delivering a cleaner and more affordable energy solution to local communities while supporting Sarawak's broader socio-economic ambitions," he added. In addition to improving convenience and affordability for households, he said the piped gas initiative supports the longer-term industrialisation of Bintulu and surrounding areas. Under the Sarawak Gas Roadmap (SGR), Bintulu has been designated as one of four strategic gas hubs alongside Miri, Samalaju, and Kuching. These hubs form part of a statewide "Hub-and-Spoke" model that aims to deliver consistent and reliable gas supply to both urban and hinterland areas across Sarawak. Investments in supporting infrastructure are well underway. In Bintulu, Petros is constructing the 65km Samalaju Pipeline (SPL) to supply natural gas to the Samalaju Industrial Park, including to the 1,500MW Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) Power Plant currently under development. Petros is also progressing works on the Gas to Bintulu (GtB) Trunkline Project, extending the transmission gas pipeline from the Kidurong Industrial Area to Jepak and Samalaju Industrial Park Ringmain (SIPR), which will further enhance intra-zone gas distribution. For areas not yet connected to pipelines, Petros is implementing a Virtual Pipeline System (VPS) using modular transport to deliver natural gas via road and sea. The first customer in Kuching is expected to receive supply via VPS by end-2025, with a broader rollout planned for 2026. As the sole Gas Aggregator for Sarawak, Petros plays a central role in developing and managing the state's gas distribution system. These efforts aim to raise Sarawak's domestic gas utilisation from 6 per cent to at least 30 per cent by 2030, in alignment with the Sarawak government's energy transition agenda. Among those present at the launch were Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi, Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Anak Utom, and Petros chairman Tan Sri Hamid Bugo.
Barnama
15 hours ago
- Politics
- Barnama
Jepak Bridge Now Known As Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud Bridge
GENERAL BINTULU, July 23 (Bernama) -- The Jepak Bridge, which was opened to the public in March, is now officially named the Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud Bridge. Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg announced the name during the official opening ceremony of the RM466.7 million bridge tonight. He said the state government's decision to name the bridge after Sarawak's fourth chief minister was to honour his contributions to the development of Bintulu. 'If he (Abdul Taib) were still alive, he would surely be impressed by the bridge we are inaugurating tonight,' he said. According to Abang Johari, Abdul Taib had made major contributions by establishing the Regional Corridor Development Authority (RECODA), a state agency responsible for planning and overseeing development under the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) initiative, which subsequently succeeded in attracting investments to the Samalaju Industrial Park area. The late Abdul Taib, who also served as Sarawak's Head of State, passed away on Feb 21 last year. The iconic bridge was among the development promises made by Abang Johari in 2017 during a dialogue session with the people of Bintulu, shortly after taking over the state leadership. 'I promised to build an iconic bridge like the one (Golden Gate Bridge) in San Francisco. Today, I have fulfilled that promise. This bridge is not only a physical connector, but also a symbol of unity and progress for the people,' he said. Abang Johari also shared a personal memory involving his late wife, Puan Sri Juma'ani Tun Tuanku Bujang, who passed away last month. She was born in Bintulu but did not live to see the completion of the bridge.
Borneo Post
19 hours ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Petros launches Bintulu's first residential piped gas supply
Hamid (second left) presents a memento to Abang Johari after the launch ceremony. BINTULU (July 23): Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros) marked a major milestone today with the official launch of piped natural gas supply to households in Sungai Plan – the first direct residential connection since gas processing operations began in Bintulu in 1982. The initiative is part of the broader Sarawak Gas Roadmap (SGR), a strategic state government plan implemented by Petros to boost domestic gas utilisation, improve energy access, and support sustainable development throughout Sarawak. The launch was officiated by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. Also present were State Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi; State Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom; and Petros chairman Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr Hamid Bugo. The launch also coincides with Sarawak Day and comes ahead of Petros' eighth anniversary, underscoring the state's steady progress toward a more inclusive, secure, and resilient energy future. In a statement, Petros said the Sungai Plan project is its first residential piped gas supply initiative in Bintulu, marking a tangible step towards bringing Sarawak's gas resources directly to the people. 'The pilot phase involves the construction of a dedicated reticulation system, which includes a newly built city gate station, over three kilometres of distribution pipeline, and internal piping for the initial 39 connected households. 'Petros aims to extend gas coverage to over 3,500 households in the Sungai Plan area, by the end of 2027,' it said. The infrastructure enables homes to use natural gas for cooking and other domestic needs, offering a cleaner, safer, and more cost-effective alternative to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). 'By providing direct access to natural gas, we are delivering cleaner and more affordable energy solutions to local communities while supporting Sarawak's broader socio-economic ambitions,' said Petros Group Chief Executive Officer Dato Janin Girie. Beyond households, the piped gas initiative is designed to support the long-term industrialisation of Bintulu and nearby regions. Under the SGR, Bintulu is designated one of four key gas hubs in Sarawak, alongside Miri, Samalaju and Kuching. These hubs form the backbone of a statewide 'hub-and-spoke' model to ensure reliable gas supply across both urban and rural areas. 'Investments in supporting infrastructure are well underway. In Bintulu, Petros is constructing the 65-kilometre Samalaju Pipeline (SPL) to supply natural gas to the Samalaju Industrial Park, including to the 1,500MW Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) Power Plant currently under development,' Petros said. The company said it is also advancing the Gas to Bintulu (GtB) Trunkline Project, which will extend transmission infrastructure from the Kidurong Industrial Area to Jepak and the Samalaju Industrial Park Ringmain (SIPR), improving intra-zone distribution capacity. To serve areas not yet connected to pipelines, Petros is deploying a Virtual Pipeline System (VPS) that uses modular transport to deliver compressed natural gas (CNG) by road and sea. The first VPS customer in Kuching is expected to receive supply by end-2025, with broader rollout planned for 2026. As the sole gas aggregator for Sarawak, Petros plays a central role in developing and managing the state's gas distribution system. 'These efforts aim to raise Sarawak's domestic gas utilisation from 6 per cent to at least 30 per cent by 2030, in alignment with the Sarawak Government's energy transition agenda,' it said. Today's launch also coincides with Sarawak Day and precedes Petros' eighth anniversary, underscoring the State's steady progress towards a more inclusive and resilient energy future. Abang Johari Bintulu lead Petros piped gas supply Sungai Plan
