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Borneo Post
23-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
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
Borneo Post
18-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Tiang issues strong warning to housing developers over abandoned projects
Tiang (eighth right) is seen with representatives from relevant agencies during the inspection of the abandoned housing project at Jalan Sibiyu, Bintulu. – Photo by Abang Ismail Abang Su'ud. BINTULU (May 18): Housing developers who fail to fulfil their responsibilities will face stringent and indefinite actions, including fines, blacklisting, and forfeiture of deposits, warned Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing, and Local Government Datuk Michael Tiang. During his visit to the abandoned housing project at Lot 6256 and Lot 6258, Block 32 Kemena Land District, and Lot 1713 at Jalan Sibiyu yesterday, Tiang expressed deep concern over the prolonged delay of the project. 'This project was paralysed due to land encroachment issues, which are now under legal proceedings. However, that does not excuse the developer from abandoning their duties,' said Tiang. He noted that most units had already been sold, leaving many buyers burdened with housing loans for homes that are incomplete and without basic utilities. 'Out of 65 units, about 10 occupants have moved into their respective lots, despite having no electricity or clean water supply. Some are still relying on water from construction sources, which is not advisable,' he told reporters after the visit, accompanied by representatives from Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd, Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) and Bintulu Development Authority (BDA). Tiang said his ministry, along with BDA, will issue letters of support to Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd for the provision of temporary water supply to residents who had opted to move in. 'We understand why they moved in. They've paid, the houses are physically complete, and they need shelter. But without the Occupation Permit (OP), it's still an issue. We are working on the legal steps needed to address this,' he said. Regarding electricity, Tiang acknowledged the complexity of the issue, adding that discussions with SEB were ongoing to find a viable solution for affected buyers. Tiang emphasised that developers who abandon projects and fail to respond to directives from the ministry would face strict enforcement under the Housing Development (Control and Licensing) Ordinance. 'We will direct them to resume work. If they fail to comply, we will blacklist the company, forfeit their deposits, and take action against the individual in charge. They too can be blacklisted,' he stated firmly. Tiang added that the ministry was also in the process of officially declaring several other housing projects throughout Sarawak as 'abandoned', a move that would help buyers negotiate more favourable terms with banks to ease their financial commitments. He said the ministry's task force on sick projects continues conducting site visits across Sarawak to identify stalled developments and ensure timely interventions. 'Our message to all housing developers is clear: fulfil your obligations or face the consequences. We take the plight of homebuyers seriously and will not hesitate to act,' Tiang said. Tiang and his team also visited another housing development site, which consists of phase one of a low-cost housing development project. He said the present delay in its completion was due to theft of electrical wiring in the houses, which they are trying to rectify. The developer has promised to proceed with the OP application with BDA once the issue is resolved. 'We expect the outcome within two to three months, they will cross the finish line,' he said. abandoned housing project lead Michael Tiang
