
Sarawak named among world's top transitioning industrial clusters
'Last month, I was invited to speak at the World Economic Forum - Summer Davos 2025. However, due to my wife's health, I sent Sarawak Minister of Utilities and Telecommunications, Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi, as my representative. The organisers later requested my personal participation, but the slot was eventually given to the Prime Minister of Singapore. This demonstrates Sarawak's growing global influence,' he said during the Marina bridge project groundbreaking ceremony.
Abang Johari attributed Sarawak's international standing to its sustainable development policies. 'During my recent visit to Japan, officials commended Sarawak's focus on new energy solutions. We must maintain this momentum while ensuring development benefits the people, such as through projects like the RM400 million Marina bridge in Miri,' he added.
The Public Works Department (JKR) confirmed that the Marina bridge contract is expected to be awarded in Q4 2025. Once completed, the bridge will connect Miri Marina to Miri Peninsula, reducing travel distance to Pulau Melayu and Lutong from 10km to just 2km, cutting travel time from 25 minutes to five.
Abang Johari also revealed ongoing exploration in Miri's Adong area for potential natural resource reserves. 'Studies are underway to assess its viability. If results are positive, the state will proceed with extraction,' he said.
Additionally, Sarawak is planning to boost Miri's tourism sector with a new road linking Miri to Marudi and Long Terawan, enhancing accessibility to northern Sarawak's key attractions. - Bernama
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The Star
6 hours ago
- The Star
Coping with Bintulu's rising energy demand towards industrial growth
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New Straits Times
2 days ago
- New Straits Times
Datuk councils sound alarm on rise of fake titles
KUALA LUMPUR: A man claiming to be a "Datuk Seri" is under scrutiny for possibly using a fake title to boost his public image. The Council of Federal Datuks (MDPM) and the Council of Datuk Dato' Malaysia (MDDM) held a joint press conference at Wisma MCA yesterday to sound the alarm over a rise in fake titles in the country. MDPM president Datuk Iskandar Abd Malik said his council recently received reports of a man suspected of falsely using a "Datuk Seri" title during public events. He was allegedly listed as an "honorary adviser" for a charity dinner. He was described on the event's poster as a "Datuk Seri" and a "royal adopted son". MDPM executive committee member Datuk Seri Michael Chong said in the first half of the year, his council had received six complaints on fake titles. "People have been duped into investing money after being misled by individuals flaunting false titles, only to realise the deception after suffering financial losses. "In one case, the losses amounted to RM400,000," the MCA veteran said. MDDM secretary-general Datuk Samson David Maman, who has served as an adviser for years, said he had never heard of a title like "royal adopted son" and believed it was fabricated to mislead the public. "Titles such as Datuk, Datuk Seri, Tan Sri or Tun are conferred on people who have made significant contributions to the nation or society. This is why such titles are respected and highly regarded." He said fraudsters often use fake titles or falsely claim royal ties to gain public trust and promote their investment schemes. In a related development, the alleged "Datuk Seri" has come forward and denied allegations of using a fake title. China Press reported that the man said the accusations had damaged his reputation and called on those responsible to issue a public apology. The man claimed he was conferred a title in 2015, but had kept a low profile over the past decade while quietly engaging in charity work. He claimed he began to use the title recently after finding success in his business. Chong responded today, saying that the council would not apologise. He said if this man believed the accusations were unfounded, he was welcome to submit official documentation on his title for verification.


Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Borneo Post
Premier: RM15 mln approved to rebuild Gedong Waterfront after riverbank collapse
Awang Zamhari (centre) explains the proposed waterfront development plan to Abang Johari and other distinguished guests during the site visit. – Photos by Jude Toyat GEDONG (July 26): The Sarawak government has approved an allocation of RM15 million to redevelop the Gedong Waterfront, following a severe riverbank collapse caused by recent soil erosion that damaged several homes and infrastructure. Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the funding would go towards the reconstruction of the river embankment, based on assessments provided by the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID). 'We have no choice but to rebuild the waterfront embankment, and according to DID's projection, it will involve an allocation of RM15 million, which I have approved. 'It will be carried out immediately—I have given the approval, and DID has committed to undertake the project,' he told reporters after visiting the erosion site and attending the Pesta Gedong event here today. Abang Johari, who is also Gedong assemblyman, said the redevelopment would also include planning for the affected villages, with discussions to be held involving local leaders including his special representative in Gedong, Dato Sri Mohd Naroden Majais, and the local Member of Parliament. Abang Johari (fifth right) joins the winning paddlers for a group photo following the prize presentation at Pesta Gedong today. The soil erosion incident had caused five houses to collapse. The state government, he said, would provide assistance by rebuilding the houses at a new, safer resettlement site. 'We have decided to offer relocation to the five affected families. We will help them rebuild their homes, but not in the same area. They will be relocated to a new resettlement area,' he said. Abang Johari also acknowledged that traditional villages around Gedong are facing long-standing issues such as narrow roads and limited access, further supporting the need for a complete redevelopment plan. Recently, Batang Sadong MP Rodiyah Sapiee and Naroden visited the site to inspect the worsening erosion. Rodiyah noted that the damage had affected public infrastructure and nearby homes, including reports of cracked walls and leaning streetlights posing a potential safety hazard. Earlier, Abang Johari presented prizes at the Bidar 25 Pekayuh Lelaki (Pecut) Akhir race, where Team Komeng Sri Berjaya clinched victory with a time of 2 minutes 7 seconds, followed by Landas Azam Kasihnya Warisan 2 at 2:14, and Hazanah MD Gedong in third at 2:21. He also witnessed the traditional boat race held as part of the festival. Also present were Naroden, Rodiyah, Simunjan assemblyman Awla Dris, and Sarawak Land and Survey Department director Awang Zamhari Awang Mahmood. Abang Johari Tun Openg Gedong Waterfront infrastructure riverbank erosion