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Free Malaysia Today
03-07-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Fund native land surveys if PKR's sincere, says Sarawak deputy premier
Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said the Sarawak government has made significant progress since launching a new NCR land survey initiative in 2010. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : Sarawak deputy premier Awang Tengah Ali Hasan has urged the federal government to continue funding native customary right (NCR) land surveys, after PKR deputy president Nurul Izzah Anwar called for these surveys to be expedited. Awang Tengah said the Sarawak government has made significant progress since the launch of the new NCR land survey initiative in 2010, while continued federal support would ensure its momentum. 'Perhaps she is unaware of the developments and the successes we have achieved. If (Nurul Izzah) is truly concerned about this issue, I hope the federal government will continue to provide funding,' he said, according to The Borneo Post. Putrajaya has allocated RM15 million for Sarawak to hold NCR land surveys this year. Awang Tengah said the current approach carried out in two stages – perimeter surveys followed by individual lot surveys – had proven effective and was based on applications from affected communities. Before 2010, land surveys were conducted under various programmes, including resettlement schemes dating back to the 1960s, the Gabungan Parti Sarawak deputy chairman added. He said individual lot surveys begin once the land has been gazetted under the Sarawak Land Code and applications are submitted by landowners. Over 1.2 million hectares of NCR land have been surveyed to date. 'We have already implemented this, and the success has been significant. This is a much faster method,' Awang Tengah said. 'Over more than 50 years, only around 260,000 hectares were surveyed. Compare that to what we have achieved since 2010 – the results have increased many times over,' he said, adding that the Sarawak government allocated RM40 million this year for this initiative. Yesterday, Nurul Izzah called for faster action on land surveys and ownership approvals for native customary land in Sarawak, and a halt to the issuance of new licences on disputed land. Although native customary rights are recognised under federal law and the Sarawak Land Code, a fraction of such land had been formally surveyed and allowed legal ownership, she said. In response, Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap of the Sarawak United People's Party later accused her of trying to exploit Sarawak issues for political gain. Separately, a Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu Youth division leader urged Nurul Izzah to apologise for her statement, claiming it misrepresented the legal and policy framework surrounding NCR land and risked creating unnecessary tension. Piasau PBB Youth chief Aniq Ashwin Abuzar said that Nurul Izzah must speak with accuracy and responsibility as a senior figure of the unity government component, especially on complex matters involving land rights in Sarawak. 'We urge her to refrain from making uninformed remarks and to engage constructively with the Sarawak government and native community leaders before commenting on our internal affairs,' he said.
The Sun
02-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Sarawak urged to explore new markets beyond traditional partners
KUCHING: Sarawak must expand its trade reach into new markets such as Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America to reduce dependency on traditional partners, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan. Speaking at the launch of Sarawak Export Day 2025, he emphasised the need for stronger collaborations with industrial players, trade agencies, and global distributors. 'These partnerships will help Sarawak brands gain retail access, improve visibility, and establish a stronger global presence,' he said. Awang Tengah, who is also the state's Minister of International Trade, Industry, and Investment, highlighted the role of technology in boosting competitiveness. He urged businesses to adopt digital platforms, AI-driven insights, and blockchain to enhance transparency and attract global buyers. 'Global buyers now prioritise sustainability alongside price and quality. Exporters must meet international standards that incorporate eco-friendly practices,' he added. The ministry is assisting exporters in adapting to regulatory changes, joining trade missions, and gaining international exposure. Sarawak's trade offices in Singapore and Brunei, along with a planned office in Pontianak, Indonesia, will serve as key gateways for regional and global market expansion.
Borneo Post
02-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Awang Tengah: Sarawak shifts focus to value-added exports and green energy leadership
Awang Tengah (seated centre) in a group photo with guests and participants during the event. Also seen are Mussen (seated third right), Reezal (seated third left) and other officials. KUCHING (July 2): The Sarawak government is actively pursuing value-added growth and is no longer focusing solely on raw commodity exports, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan. The International Trade, Industry and Investment Minister said the state is now laying the foundation for advanced manufacturing, green economy initiatives and digital-based exports as part of a long-term strategy to build a more resilient and innovation-driven economy. 'We are investing in the future, which is in renewable energy, semiconductors and high-value sectors that will position Sarawak as a major economic force in the region. 'Our focus has thus shifted because we want to go beyond exporting crude oil, gas and palm oil,' he said during his keynote address at the launching ceremony of Sarawak Export Day 2025 held at a local hotel here today. He added that Sarawak is poised to lead the country in green energy development, with active initiatives in hydropower, solar, biomass and hydrogen production. To support this ambition, Awang Tengah said the state has amended its Electricity Ordinance to allow greater investor participation in boosting generation capacity. 'We have set a clear target in which by 2030, we aim to generate at least 10,000 megawatts of electricity, and by 2035, 15,000 megawatts which will all be from clean and renewable sources,' he said. Awang Tengah also mentioned that Sarawak will be developed into a hub for semiconductor manufacturing and aerospace economic activities, reflecting the state's shift towards high-technology industries and global competitiveness. These sectors, he said, offer enormous potential, and Sarawak wants its local players to seize the opportunities and grow alongside global industry leaders. Commenting on investments, he said the state government's message is clear: investment is the cornerstone of Sarawak's future, not only to boost exports and gross domestic product but also to transform the economic landscape, drive technological advancement, and ensure inclusive prosperity for Sarawakians. 'Since 2021, Sarawak has approved over RM102 billion in investments involving 1,180 projects. These projects are expected to create nearly 23,000 job opportunities and open doors for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to participate in supporting industries,' he said. To further boost global engagement, Awang Tengah said Sarawak is expanding its international trade network, adding that in addition to existing offices in Singapore and Brunei, a new trade office will soon open in Pontianak, Indonesia. Also present during the event were Deputy Minister of International Trade, Industry and Investment Datuk Dr Malcolm Mussen Lamoh, Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) chairman Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican and other officials. Sarawak Export Day 2025 was jointly organised by the Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment Sarawak and Matrade. Awang Tengah export lead sarawak value-added growth
Borneo Post
02-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sarawak posts RM16.8 bln trade surplus in Q1 2025, says Awang Tengah
Awang Tengah (centre) applauds after symbolically launching Sarawak Export Day 2025 by lighting up the event's symbol during today's ceremony. Also present are Mussen (fourth right), Reezal (fourth left), and other officials. KUCHING (July 2): Sarawak recorded a trade surplus of RM16.8 billion in the first quarter of 2025, maintaining strong economic momentum amid global uncertainties, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan. Citing official figures, the International Trade, Industry and Investment Minister said the state's exports in 2024 rose by 2.3 per cent to RM133.8 billion, driven mainly by key commodities such as liquefied natural gas, crude petroleum, and crude palm oil. He also revealed that imports increased by 3.1 per cent to RM64.5 billion, while the state's trade surplus expanded by 1.5 per cent to RM69.3 billion. 'Building on this, the first quarter of 2025 has shown continued strength with a RM16.8 billion trade surplus, reflecting Sarawak's steady momentum,' he said during his keynote address at the launching ceremony of Sarawak Export Day 2025 held at a local hotel here today. The event was jointly organised by the Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment Sarawak (Mintred) and the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade). Awang Tengah said that Sarawak's trade performance continues to be a pillar of economic growth, showing resilience despite the challenging global environment. He also said the state government is committed to transforming the state's economy by shifting from raw commodity exports towards value-added products, in line with the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 He highlighted the importance of strategic partnerships with trade agencies and industrial players to unlock access to regional and global markets. Awang Tengah said Sarawak currently has trade offices in Singapore and Brunei, with a new office set to open in Pontianak to further strengthen regional connectivity. 'We are laying the groundwork for advanced manufacturing, green economy initiatives and digital-based exports. Our aim is to make Sarawak an export-ready economy that is innovative, inclusive and sustainable. 'The federal and Sarawak governments stand ready to support both large exporters and MSMEs (micro, small and medium enterprises) through agencies such as Mintred, Matrade and SME Corp Malaysia,' he said. He also revealed that since 2021, interest subsidy schemes have benefited over 3,300 MSMEs with RM75.5 million in subsidies, while approximately 178,000 entrepreneurs have received RM3.3 billion in financial assistance. Awang Tengah urged Sarawakian businesses to embrace digitalisation and sustainability to remain competitive in the evolving global market. 'We are rich in natural resources, but that alone is not enough. We must equip our people and industries with knowledge, skills and innovation to build a future-ready Sarawak. 'Today's buyers are not just looking at price and quality. They want sustainability and exporters must meet international standards and adopt responsible practices,' he said. Awang Tengah concluded his keynote address by urging exporters to explore emerging markets in Southeast Asia, Africa and Latin America, in order to diversify trade partners and reduce dependency on traditional markets. Also present during the event were Deputy Minister of International Trade, Industry and Investment Datuk Dr Malcolm Mussen Lamoh, Matrade chairman Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican and other officials. Sarawak Export Day 2025 is part of the state's wider effort to equip local businesses with the tools and knowledge to thrive in global trade and the event gathered industry players, policymakers, and trade experts for knowledge sharing and networking. Awang Tengah exports imports lead Sarawal trade surplus
Borneo Post
28-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sarawak scales up entrepreneur support through skills, grants, digital tools
Awang Tengah (fourth right) prepares to officiate at SUS 2025, witnessed by (from left) Iskandar, Ripin, Malcolm, Asfia, Naroden, Pang and Dzulkornain. BINTULU (June 28): The Sarawak government remains steadfast in its commitment to enhancing entrepreneurial development across the state. According to Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, the state administration is actively building entrepreneurial capacity through initiatives focused on essential skills such as accounting fundamentals and digital proficiency. He added that between 2021 and April 2025, the State Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment (Mintred), together with state and federal agencies, had implemented over 930 capacity-building programmes that had benefitted more than 73,000 entrepreneurs throughout Sarawak. 'Access to business assistance, whether financial or advisory, is crucial for entrepreneurs to start, sustain and grow their ventures,' said Awang Tengah, also the state Minister of Natural Resources and Urban Development, in his opening remarks for the Showcase Usahawan Sarawak (SUS) 2025 at Times Square Megamall here on Friday. The event, which concludes today, was jointly organised by Mintred and its strategic partners. Also present at the opening ceremony were Sarawak State Legislative Assembly Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar; Deputy Minister for Mintred, Datuk Dr Malcolm Mussen Lamoh; Deputy State Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, Datuk Dr Ripin Lamat; assemblymen Iskandar Turkee (Jepak) and Johnny Pang (Tanjong Batu), as well as Mintred advisor Dato Sri Mohd Naroden Majais and its permanent secretary Dzulkornain Masron. Adding on, Awang Tengah said the Sarawak government had rolled out extensive support programmes through Mintred, as well as departments and agencies including the Department of Agriculture Sarawak, Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC), and Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC). 'Mintred alone has channelled RM204 million in assistance to more than 41,800 MSMEs (micro small-and-medium enterprises) in Sarawak under various programmes including the Graduate Towards Entrepreneurship (GERAK) and Technical and Vocational Entrepreneurs (USTEV) , which provide grants of up to RM20,000 to graduates and skilled school-leavers to help them start up and expand their businesses. 'The government also runs the Go Digital programme, offering grants of up to RM10,000 to facilitate the purchase of digital hardware, software and services. 'The Sarawak Micro Credit Scheme (SKMS) provides financial assistance for MSMEs to expand their operations, while the Small and Medium Industry Loan Scheme (SPIKS) supports Bumiputera-owned SMEs in obtaining working capital, purchasing equipment, or renovating business premises. 'Additionally, the 'Jum REGISTA Bisnes', implemented by Mintred in collaboration with other agencies, has helped register 4,280 informal entrepreneurs into the formal business sector.' Awang Tengah thus called upon Sarawak entrepreneurs to actively seize the opportunities offered through these government initiatives to grow and future-proof their businesses. 'To date, over 178,000 entrepreneurs in Sarawak have received support from both state and federal agencies, amounting to more than RM3.3 billion. These efforts will continue to ensure our entrepreneurs thrive and scale up their ventures.' Meanwhile, a total of RM1,556,000 was disbursed to the participants of entrepreneurial assistance, in connection with SUS 2025 here. On the showcase, Awang Tengah highlighted it as a platform not only to showcase and market quality products from across Sarawak's districts and divisions, but also to connect local entrepreneurs with wider markets. 'The 2024 SUS editions in Miri and AEON Mall Tebrau City in Johor Bahru generated RM17.7 million in combined sales, with participation from 100 Sarawakian entrepreneurs. 'One standout success story from SUS in Miri is Watiza Agrofarm Sdn Bhd, a company that produces salted duck eggs. Through business-matching sessions, they achieved RM1 million in potential sales,' he said. Watiza Agrofarm further raised Sarawak's profile at the national level when, on Jan 20 this year, it emerged as a winner in the Rural Business Challenge (RBC) 2.0, organised by the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW), which earned it a business grant of RM500,000. The SUS 2025 event also involved the participation of six major retail chains – Emart, Everrise, AEON, Doremart, Mydin, and Mari Mart – with projected sales of RM3 million. In addition, Mintred, in collaboration with the Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC), had set up a 'live streaming booth' to enable entrepreneurs promote and sell their products online via TikTok Shop live sessions. Other activities include the 'Kamek Digital Entrepreneurial Transformation Course' at Promenade Hotel Bintulu, which signed up over 150 participants, as well as an embroidery workshop held on the main SUS stage. The next SUS is scheduled to take place at Queensbay Mall in Penang this Aug 28 until Sept 1. Awang Tengah entrepreneurial development Mintred
