7 days ago
Plough profits back into Sarawak's economy, Abg Jo tells businesses in the state
Abang Johari launches the 5-star Imperial Hotel Bintulu. – Photo by Abang Ismail Abang Su'ud
BINTULU (July 23): Local companies that generate profits from operations in Sarawak should reinvest those earnings back into the state's economy, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He cited Shin Yang Group of Companies, which has made significant investments in Sarawak's property sector.
'I appreciate companies like Shin Yang that make money in Sarawak and give back to Sarawak.
'There are also companies making profits here but choosing to invest elsewhere,' he said today when officially opening Imperial Hotel Bintulu – the town's first 5-star hotel.
He urged local industry players to emulate companies that channel their gains into supporting local infrastructure, job creation, and economic growth.
'This kind of investment reflects the private sector's confidence in Bintulu's ongoing development,' he said.
Recounting Bintulu's journey, Abang Johari said the town has evolved from a gas discovery site to a key industrial hub with the establishment of the liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant and Bintulu Port Authority, projects initiated under the leadership former chief ministers the late Tun Datuk Patinggi Abdul Rahman Yakub and continued by the late Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud.
'The transformation began with Kidurong and has now expanded rapidly to Samalaju,' he said, emphasising the need for quality infrastructure, international-standard hotels, and conference facilities to accommodate growing economic activities and foreign visitors.
Abang Johari said when he assumed the role of Chief Minister in 2017, he committed to launching Bintulu's 'second wave' of development.
This included the opening of new areas such as Kampung Jepak, where he promised to build a bridge connecting the old town with the new development.
'I had said Jepak Jaya would be like Petra Jaya in Kuching. Now in 2025, that vision is being realised,' he said.
Abang Johari pointed out Bintulu has been recognised by the World Economic Forum as one of the world's 36 Emerging Transition Industrial Clusters – one of only two in Asia.
'Now we are being watched by the world, the potential of Bintulu meaning, not only we provide low carbon industry but also provide basic infrastructure including properties and comfortable hotel and venue for conferences,' he said.
To further enhance connectivity, he outlined plans for the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) system powered by hydrogen to link Kidurong to Samalaju with Bintulu as the central hub.
Abang Johari also highlighted plans to reinforce water and power supply in Bintulu.
'A 500MW gas turbine power plant is currently under construction, with another 500MW plant planned eventually providing 1GW power capacity to meet growing demand from both locals and investors,' he said.
With anticipated population growth, Abang Johari said Bintulu will also require international schools and other supporting infrastructure.
'There will be continued investment from both the government and private sector. With this, Bintulu will continue to grow and prosper,' he said.
Among those present at the event were State Legislative Assembly Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nasar, State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Shin Yang Group of Companies group executive chairman Tan Sri Datuk Ling Chiong Ho, and Shin Yang Group of Companies group executive vice chairman and group managing director Datuk James Ling Lu Kiong. Abang Johari Bintulu lead
