Abang Johari: That's my daughter with me, not a new love
He said she was not "another woman" replacing his late wife, Puan Sri Juma'ani Tuanku Bujang.
"Wherever I go to official functions, I ask my daughter to help and accompany me," he said at the opening of the Datuk Amar Juma'ani Tuanku Bujang Bridge here.
He said the presence of his daughter by his side at official functions had set tongues wagging.
"They started asking among themselves who was the lady at my side. It was fast of him to find a replacement for his wife," Abang Johari said, recollecting what he had been told.
He said his daughter first accompanied him to a function in Miri a few weeks ago.
Meanwhile, Abang Johari expressed his gratitude to the people of Kampung Bintangor for naming the bridge after his late wife, adding that it was not his request.
"I would to thank you for remembering my wife by naming the bridge after her. Today marks 44 days since she has left us," he said.
The construction of the RM50.665 million bridge started five years ago.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
an hour ago
- The Star
Sarawak seeks Mardi's help to boost rice production
KUCHING: Sarawak is seeking assistance from the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (Mardi) for the supply of rice seeds to boost production, according to Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg. The state aims to expand its padi planting areas to become one of the country's top rice producers. Sarawak plans to plant 14,000 hectares of padi, projected to produce 240,000 tonnes of rice to achieve self-sufficiency. "If Mardi can assist Sarawak by providing more seeds, we will be able to expand our padi planting areas. If we can plant an additional 14,000 hectares, we will be able to produce about 500,000 tonnes of rice," he said during the opening of the National Padi Conference on Tuesday (Aug 12) night. Abang Johari noted that any excess rice produced by Sarawak could be shared with the rest of Malaysia, reducing the nation's dependence on rice imports. He also mentioned that Sarawak would collaborate with Mardi and other agencies on rice research to improve yield per hectare. A study by Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) in Gedong increased rice yield from 1.2 tonnes per hectare to eight tonnes per hectare using new seeds and methods, including the Internet of Things (IoT) and machinery. "The study found that rice could be harvested five times in 24 months. I believe this can succeed in other padi planting areas and increase farmers' income," he added. Boosting padi production is part of Sarawak's post-Covid development strategy to ensure food security for the state and nation. "We need to develop the agriculture sector with new technologies. Ultimately, we want to become a net food exporter," Abang Johari said. Earlier, Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup highlighted Sarawak's potential in padi production. He said increasing Sarawak's self-sufficiency in rice is crucial for both state needs and national food security. To support these efforts, the ministry has allocated RM230 million for the padi industry in Sarawak, including developing new rice planting areas in Tanjung Bijat, Stumbin, Gran, Entulang, and Seduku under the 11th Malaysia Plan.
Borneo Post
9 hours ago
- Borneo Post
Abg Jo: Sarawak explores strategic partnerships with Korean stakeholders to power clean energy transition
(From fourth left) Ahmad Zawawi and Dr Hazland in a group photo with members from Koen and Korean industry players. – Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (Aug 12): Sarawak is exploring a potential strategic partnership with Korean stakeholders in renewable technology that could accelerate the state's clean energy transition, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. He said Sarawak has always welcomed strategic partnerships that will benefit the people, region, and nation. 'Our leaders welcome any opportunity to explore new ideas, technologies, and innovations. 'As such, we look forward to learning and exploring new approaches and innovations our Korean stakeholders will share with us in this event regarding hydrogen, smart grids, digital energy systems, and clean technology commercialisation which offer us real, scalable opportunities to enhance our regional capabilities and resilience,' he said in a speech for the opening ceremony of the Sustainable and Valuable Energy Conference (SAVE) 2025 here today. Deputy Energy and Environmental Sustainability Minister Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni delivered the speech. Abang Johari, who is also Energy and Environmental Sustainability Minister, said the partnership would deliver value in various forms in line with the state's Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030. 'These include technology transfer in frontier sectors like hydrogen fuel cells, grid automation and carbon capture; joint ventures and investment facilitation to spur industrial collaboration and local supply chain development; capacity building through research and development, skills training and professional exchange; as well as pilots and demonstrators, to de-risk innovation and prepare for full-scale deployment.' He pointed out that Sarawak's energy transformation is driven by PCDS 2030, which calls for a diversified, sustainable, and inclusive economic model. 'Sarawak is already a leader in renewable energy. With more than 70 per cent of our electricity sourced from clean hydropower, we offer one of the lowest carbon electricity grids in Southeast Asia. 'But we know that we must do more and move faster,' he said. In line with PCDS, he said the state is expanding its portfolio to include utility-scale solar and floating photovoltaic (PV) projects; green hydrogen production for mobility and export; biomass and waste-to-energy technologies; and energy efficiency programmes across industries. On SAVE, Abang Johari said the conference reflected Sarawak's commitment to clean energy and green industry, while providing a strategic platform to strengthen policy implementation, drive green economic growth, attract sustainable foreign direct investments, accelerate technology transfer and localisation, enhance the state's global positioning, develop human capital, and promote inclusive rural development. SAVE 2025 brought together over 260 participants, including experts, policymakers, business leaders, and innovators from Malaysia and Korea to explore practical solutions for transitioning to cleaner, more efficient, and economically viable energy systems. The two-day conference, held in collaboration with Korea South-East Power Co (Koen) and leading Korean industry players, marked the first time Sarawak plays host. SAVE 2025 is part of a progressive energy event series, previously held in Putrajaya in 2023 and Puchong, Selangor last year. Among those present were Association of Professional Technicians and Technologist chairman Ahmad Zawawi Kasmin, Koen senior manager Soon Eon Kwon, and Malaysian Association of Engineers president Datuk Feroz Hanif Mohamed Ahmad. Abang Johari Korean stakeholders lead
Borneo Post
11 hours ago
- Borneo Post
Sarawak blazes ahead with transformative energy transition policy, SET-P
Abang Johari (centre) performs a launching gimmick for the Sarawak Energy Transition Policy (SET-P) in Kuching yesterday. – Bernama Photo KUCHING (Aug 8): The Sarawak Energy Transition Policy (SET-P) is a transformative policy that will guide the state's shift towards a low-carbon, secure, and inclusive energy future, Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said. He said it represented a comprehensive and coordinated policy document to transform Sarawak's energy sector, bringing together all existing strategies under a unified framework while addressing the energy trilemma — ensuring energy security, promoting environmental sustainability, and maintaining economic affordability. 'The potential of SET-P is transformative. By 2050, this policy is projected to contribute RM550 billion in cumulative GDP, create over 80,000 new jobs, and attract between RM580 billion to RM700 billion in investments,' he said at the launch of the new policy here yesterday. 'The key drivers of this growth include renewable energy, natural gas, CCUS (Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage), and clean hydrogen. 'Importantly, more than 75 per cent of the income generated is expected to benefit low- and middle-income groups – ensuring that our energy transition is not only transformative, but also just and inclusive.' Abang Johari explained that SET-P is anchored on seven strategic pillars: renewable energy, natural gas, energy efficiency, low-carbon mobility, clean hydrogen, CCUS, and alternative energy In turn, these pillars are supported by five key enablers: strong governance and regulation, innovative financing and investment, robust infrastructure, technology and innovation, and skilled and adaptive workforce development. To fully unlock the potential of the SET-P, Abang Johari said Sarawak must first strengthen the short-term investment landscape such as commercially viable projects with market-rate returns, public-good initiatives with no direct financial returns and emerging solutions with below-market returns. He said these encompass nascent but strategically vital technologies like clean hydrogen, carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS), energy efficiency, and low-carbon transport. 'Despite their long-term potential, these initiatives currently struggle to attract private financing due to higher risk profiles and uncertain returns, particularly in emerging markets such as Sarawak.' Some of the critical infrastructure required to enable Sarawak's natural gas hubs, such as transportation terminals, access roads, and supporting logistics might also fall into the sub-commercial or below-market return category, he said. 'While these assets are essential to unlocking long-term value, they may not offer sufficient returns to attract private capital on their own. As such, strategic government intervention will be necessary to move them forward.' In this respect, he said the Sarawak Government is considering establishing a blended finance facility to support such catalytic infrastructure and transition-aligned investments. 'By leveraging risk mitigation instruments and deploying public capital as a crowd-in mechanism, we aim to enhance the bankability of these projects and unlock broader private sector and development banks participation. 'But let me be clear – realizing this vision will require deep collaboration. We call upon development partners, private investors, and financial institutions to join us in shaping a resilient, inclusive, and investable energy transition for Sarawak,' the premier said. Abang Johari emphasised that SET-P was built on the principle of inclusivity. 'Its success depends on strong and sustained collaboration across all segments of society – government, industry, academia, civil society, and local communities – as well as with partners from around the world. 'We actively welcome partnerships that bring innovation, financing, technical expertise, and capacity-building to support and accelerate this journey.' Abang Johari ccus renewable energy SET-P
