Latest news with #AbangJohariOpeng
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
S'wak pushing for Dayak community progress via free education, rural development
KUCHING: The Sarawak government is committed to enhancing the economic and social standing of the Dayak community through initiatives such as free higher education and the continued development of rural infrastructure. This, said Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg, was in line with the goals outlined in the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030). He said education remains the most powerful tool to ensure inclusive progress among all communities in Sarawak. "The Sarawak Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) is expected to cost the state RM300 million in its first year of implementation next year, benefitting around 10,000 students at four state-owned universities. "I believe this initiative will open doors for many Sarawakian youths, especially those from low-income families and rural areas, to pursue degree-level studies in selected fields," he said in his message ahead of the Gawai Dayak 2025 celebration tomorrow. Abang Johari said the programme covers full tuition fees and includes an annual living allowance of RM15,000 for students from households earning RM1,500 and below. He also said Sarawak's revenue has surged to RM15 billion in 2024, compared to RM6 billion eight years ago, enabling the state to intensify efforts in infrastructure development, including the construction of roads, bridges and coastal highways. He said the construction of bridges across the state reflects the state government's commitment to improving transportation infrastructure, thereby facilitating the movement of people, agricultural produce and local industrial goods. Meanwhile, the premier said the Sarawak government was considering a proposal to convert 5,000km of decommissioned logging roads, such as those in the Kapit division, into public roads. "If implemented, this plan would greatly improve rural connectivity with a more structured road system," he said.
The Star
6 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Sarawak to send journalists abroad for training
KUCHING: The Sarawak government is prepared to send local media personnel abroad for training to enhance their skills and knowledge, says Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg. "Last year I said we would send journalists overseas for an executive training programme." "I hope this will improve the quality of their reporting and give them new ideas to lift the profession and strengthen the future of journalism," he told reporters on National Journalists' Day (Hawana) on Thursday (May 29). Abang Johari said the state government would collaborate with local journalists' associations on this initiative. "There must be a process to determine the eligibility of journalists for the programme," he said. Last December, Abang Johari announced plans to send Sarawakian journalists to an executive training programme at Cambridge University. The one-month programme will focus on broadening participants' perspectives, enhancing their data management skills, and providing insights into the latest developments in global journalism. He also said a selection panel comprising representatives from associations, government agencies, and the private sector would recommend suitable candidates for the programme.
The Star
6 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Sarawak launches sustainability blueprint for green economy
KUCHING: Sarawak's newly launched sustainability blueprint will serve as a strategic roadmap for the state's transition to a green economy, says Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg. The Sarawak Premier said the blueprint is a pioneering effort by a Malaysian state and added that it was recently finalised by the state Energy and Environmental Sustainability Ministry. He noted it is built on 10 strategic thrusts, 48 detailed strategies, and 111 actionable plans. "The Sarawak Sustainability Blueprint 2030 encompasses every facet of our sustainability agenda, integrating green principles into the fabric of our society and economy," he said. He spoke while launching the blueprint at the Asia Carbon Conference on Thursday (May 29). Abang Johari said the document outlines Sarawak's commitment to accelerating its renewable energy transition by advancing carbon capture and storage. It also focuses on enhancing forest and land conservation and promoting green industries and investments. It aims to build sustainable cities through circular economy practices and develop a future-ready workforce through education, skills, and research. According to a slide presentation, the blueprint's goals are economic growth and prosperity, environmental stewardship, and a healthy, resilient, and inclusive community. Its strategic thrusts include energy transition, sustainable agriculture and food security, sustainable mobility, and circular economy. Other thrusts are sustainable manufacturing, sustainable mining, stewardship of natural assets, sustainable cities, inclusive social equity, and integrated tourism development. Abang Johari also said Sarawak is finalising a Carbon Plan to facilitate carbon market investments in the state. He said the plan would offer a detailed implementation framework for carbon trading. "Central to the Carbon Plan is its focus on establishing a well-regulated and investor-friendly carbon market," he said. This market will balance supply and demand, incentivising emissions reductions and attracting green investments to Sarawak. Additionally, Abang Johari said Sarawak is reviewing the statutory fee structure for carbon projects to enhance investor interest. He said the state is also finalising its carbon levy framework to price carbon emissions accurately and encourage responsible practices. "Sarawak is committed to aligning our carbon initiatives with international standards," he added. This ensures that the state's contributions to global climate action are transparent and verifiable.
The Star
7 days ago
- Business
- The Star
S'wak will ensure clear rules to help gas industry grow, says Abang Jo
KUCHING: Sarawak will ensure regulatory clarity and stability to enable the growth of the gas industry in the state, says Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg. He said the state's legislative and executive authority over gas distribution had been confirmed in the joint declaration signed with the Federal Government on May 21, removing any perceived regulatory uncertainty. ALSO READ: Gas distribution, supply players in Sarawak must have state licence, says minister The joint declaration affirmed that all federal and state laws relating to gas distribution must be respected by all persons undertaking the supply and distribution of gas in Sarawak. It also acknowledged state-owned Petros as Sarawak's gas aggregator. Abang Johari said the state government planned to increase gas production for sustainable use by industries and the production of clean energy. "These efforts will provide ample investment opportunities in the upstream, midstream and downstream activities for both foreign and local investors. "Such opportunities include the development of carbon capture and storage (CCS) sites to realise the values of our huge potential gas reserves located in the waters off western Sarawak, to secure sufficient supply for the Kuching low-carbon gas hub currently being planned," he told the state assembly in his winding-up speech on Wednesday (May 28). ALSO READ: Petros gains federal nod Abang Johari said the planned projects would increase Sarawak's gross domestic product (GDP) by RM120bil and create 185,000 high-income jobs. He said Petros, as the gas aggregator and resource manager, would play a central role in upgrading and expanding gas distribution infrastructure. "This will ensure adequate gas supply for industrial and household usage, as well as developing CCS sites to support these industrial needs at the Kuching low-carbon gas hub," he added. ALSO READ: Joint declaration with Putrajaya allows Sarawak to exempt PETRONAS from licensing requirements, says Abang Johari The Premier also said Sarawak was developing a renewable energy hub, natural gas hub, hydrogen hub and carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) hub to ensure energy security for the state. He said the hubs would be supported by comprehensive policies such as the Sarawak hydrogen economy roadmap, Sarawak sustainability blueprint, Sarawak energy transition policy and Sarawak energy efficiency roadmap. "These policies are projected to unlock investment opportunities worth between RM350bil and RM430bil. "They are also estimated to create approximately 44,000 new high-value energy sector jobs for anak-anak Sarawak," he said.
The Star
7 days ago
- Business
- The Star
S'wak sovereign wealth fund given green light for global investments, says Abang Jo
KUCHING: The Sarawak Sovereign Wealth Future Fund has secured approval from the relevant authorities to proceed with global investments, says Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg. The Sarawak Premier said this marked a crucial step in portfolio diversification for the fund, which was set up last year. "It opens the door to international opportunities that will help maximise long-term returns for Sarawak and her people," he said in his winding-up speech at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly on Wednesday (May 28). ALSO READ: Sarawak plans consolidated investment entity, says Abang Johari ( Abang Johari said the selection of external fund managers was currently in progress. He said the first group, who would focus on fixed income investments, was now in the final stage of appointment, with more asset classes to be managed in the coming phases. "Our focus remains on capital preservation while laying the groundwork for sustainable, long-term growth, ensuring the fund becomes a lasting resource for future generations of Sarawakians," he added. Abang Johari also spoke on the new Kuching International Airport, saying it would be planned to accommodate 15 million passengers annually and be equipped with cutting-edge systems to ensure a seamless passenger experience from check-in to boarding. ALSO READ: Sarawak to set up sovereign wealth fund to boost state's financial sustainability ( Additionally, the airport will serve as an integrated aviation hub, with all terminals and support buildings interconnected. "This cohesive layout will enhance operational efficiency and foster stronger synergies across the entire aviation industry ecosystem," he said. Abang Johari gave his assurance that the development of the new airport and deep-sea port in Kuching would not be funded solely by the state government but would involve private sector investments. He said local multinational and international corporations had expressed interest in spearheading the projects.
