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Borneo Post
19-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Abg Jo: No new Petros-Petronas update as PM still preoccupied with other matters
Abang Johari enters the DUN Complex. – Photo by Mohd Faisal Ahmad KUCHING (May 19): There is no new update on the agreement between Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros) and Petronas Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) as Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is still preoccupied with other matters, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. 'Nya gik gago. Kelak madah (He is still busy. I'll update later.),' Abang Johari told reporters after the commencement of the first meeting of the fourth term of the 19th State Legislative Assembly (DUN) here today. The Premier had been asked about his disclosure during the International Construction Week (ICW) Borneo on May 13 that an imminent agreement involving Petros and Petronas would be announced within the coming days. He had indicated that the agreement would involve mutual recognition of federal and state laws, the recognition of Petros as the sole aggregator, and an increased Sarawak stake in liquefied natural gas (LNG) through a commercial arrangement. The deal follows a meeting on May 9 in Putrajaya, chaired by Anwar Ibrahim and Abang Johari, alongside top leadership from both Petronas and Petros. According to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office, both the federal and Sarawak governments had agreed to finalise key principles to smoothen negotiations between the two energy entities. The statement described the meeting as cordial and rooted in the spirit of federalism. It added that the collaboration would unlock significant potential, including the fast-tracking of commercial energy supply to Asean markets. Both leaders also agreed to resolve all outstanding issues through negotiations. This comes after the Sarawak government issued a letter of demand to Petronas Carigali Sdn Bhd (PCSB), a Petronas subsidiary, over alleged violations of the Distribution of Gas Ordinance (DGO) 2016. The state claimed PCSB had been operating a facility in Miri without a valid permit under state law. abang johari anwar ibrahim lead Petros-Petronas
Borneo Post
14-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Premier urges more Sarawak contractors to register as facility management providers
Abang Johari (fourth right) at the launch of ICW Borneo at BCCK here today. – Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (May 14): Local contractors are urged to upskill and register as facility management (FM) providers with the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) to meet the growing demand in Sarawak, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. Speaking at the launch of International Construction Week (ICW) Borneo at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) yesterday, he said the move is part of the state's holistic sustainability strategy. 'Sustainability does not end when the last brick is laid. It must continue throughout a building's life cycle. 'This is why the Sarawak government is championing professional facility management to ensure safety, efficiency, and longevity of our assets,' he said. Abang Johari noted that over 4,000 government quarters have already been built in Sarawak, with 3,000 more underway, making effective FM crucial. 'Currently, out of over 468 FM contractors in Malaysia, only 17 are registered in Sarawak. That is far from adequate,' he said. He said Works Department (JKR) Sarawak pioneered its first official FM contract in 2024 for the Borneo Cultures Museum, which will set a benchmark for future FM contracts under RMK-13. These include the State Legislative Assembly Complex, Integrated Administrative Centres in Bintulu, Limbang, and Lawas, as well as Federal Gunasama Quarters in Bintulu. He also welcomed CIDB's initiative to organise a dedicated FM seminar and training as a follow-up to ICW Borneo. 'We want to develop what we call gunasama (shared use), where we will build housing for our officers in a sort of gated community. 'For example, it will be used by both state and federal officers. We have many doctors in the districts. We have to provide good quarters for the doctors,' Abang Johari added. He said the quarters would include condominiums or apartments with all the basic facilities.
Borneo Post
13-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sarawak embraces circular construction to drive green future
Awang Tengah Ali Hasan KUCHING (May 13): Sarawak is promoting circular construction practices that emphasises on the principle of 'Waste Not, Build Smart', said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan. 'We have spent decades in a linear world: extract, build, and discard. But that model is no longer sustainable. Circular construction is the new blueprint ― it promotes reusing building waste on-site, repurposing packaging from suppliers, prioritizing local materials that reduce both emissions and logistics risks. 'Imagine a building where nothing is wasted, where every tile and timber tells a story of reuse,' he said in his keynote address titled 'Transforming Sarawak: Advancing Sustainable Construction and Renewable Energy for a Greener Future, at the International Construction Week (ICW) Borneo Edition held at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK). The ICW Borneo Edition was officiated by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and was also attended by Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi. Awang Tengah also noted that the use of digital technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly vital, as Sarawak aims to leverage these tools to enhance operational efficiency. '(This), in turn, improves sustainability performance right from the planning to the implementation and monitoring stages of a project. Sarawak also encourages the use of technologies such as Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Industrialised Building Systems (IBS),' he added. He further emphasized that the foundation of any sustainable project begins with responsible site selection ― an ethical and strategic decision that influences the development's long-term impact. 'A well-chosen site supports biodiversity, avoids flood zones, and reduces reliance on cars by ensuring access to public transportation. 'When we decide where to build, we shape not only the physical landscape but also define our sustainability values and aspirations,' he said. Awang Tengah highlighted that the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process serves as both a regulatory requirement and a planning tool for prescribed activities. He stressed that the process ensures rigorous environmental screening before a project is allowed to proceed. 'In transforming Sarawak into a greener and more sustaianable state, engineers must consider our unique topography, slope gradients, and soil conditions, especially when designing critical infrastructure such as roads and bridges. These geotechnical and environmental factors are essential for long-term sustainability and resilience,' he explained. He clarified that the EIA process is not meant to hinder development but to guide responsibly. 'By fostering strong partnerships among government agencies, industry players, and the public, we are committed to protecting our environment. 'Together, we must ensure that today's development does not come at the expense of future generations, but rather lays the foundation for a greener, healthier, and more sustainable Sarawak,' he added. Awang Tengah also pointed out that while sustainable buildings are important, the supporting infrastructure ― roads, drainage, and digital systems must also be built with resilience in mind. 'A building may be green, but if it is not connected to a sustainable infrastructure, the job is only half done. True sustainability demands a holistic approach ― one that intrergrates the building with its surrounding ecosystem, connects infrastructure with people and the environment, and is functional, practical, safe, and most importantly, beautiful,' he said. He also informed the audience that Sarawak has introduced the Environment (Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions) Ordinance 2023 to regulate and control greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across key economic sectors. 'This marks a significant step forward in Sarawak's journey towards a low-carbon and climate-resilient economy,' he added.
New Straits Times
13-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
ICW Borneo paves the way for Asean's construction future
KUCHING: The International Construction Week (ICW) Borneo 2025 was officially launched today at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching, marking a key milestone for East Malaysia and the Asean region as Malaysia assumes the Asean chairmanship. The Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) Malaysia, which organises the two-day event in partnership with Qube Integrated Malaysia Sdn Bhd, said ICW Borneo 2025 serves as a strategic platform to advance sustainable construction, promote green energy innovation and accelerate digital transformation in the built environment. "It brings together policymakers, industry leaders, academics, and innovators to drive a future-ready construction agenda aligned with Asean Vision 2045," it said in a statement today. Held concurrently with the summit is BuildXpo, ICW's official trade exhibition, which features 32 local and international exhibitors across 55 booths displaying cutting-edge technologies, smart building systems, and sustainable construction materials. The exhibitors include CIDB IBS, Regional Corridor Development Authority (RECODA), American Welding Society, Microleap, Cahya Mata Cement Sdn Bhd and Serendah Steel Manufacturing Sdn Bhd. The statement said several specialised conferences and workshops are also taking place, including the Seminar on Construction Revolution (CR4.0), Construction Manager Programme, Construction Project Manager Programme, and Facility Management Accreditation. "On May 15, technical site visits will bring participants to key infrastructure and energy facilities in Sarawak, including the Sejingkat Power Plant, the Hydrogen Production Plant and Refueling Station, and the Petros Darul Hana Multifuel Station," it said. CIDB chief executive Zainora Zainal said the event brings together the region's brightest minds and most forward-thinking organisations to drive the Construction 4.0 agenda, enhance cross-border collaboration, and promote sustainable and inclusive growth across Asean's built environment. She said that as the first ICW to be held in East Malaysia, the event not only sets the stage for the 27th edition of ICW and BuildXpo in Kuala Lumpur this October but also underscores East Malaysia's growing role as a hub for sustainable development and regional cooperation in the construction sector. – Bernama
Borneo Post
13-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Abg Jo: Sarawak-owned universities to introduce engineering degree in construction management, free for eligible Sarawakians
Abang Johari delivers his speech at ICW Borneo. – Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (May 13): The Sarawak government will introduce the Bachelor of Engineering in Construction Management at Sarawak-owned universities beginning next year, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. 'This is a new discipline where we will provide education in the field of construction and construction management,' he told reporters after launching International Construction Week (ICW) Borneo here today. He explained that the course is in line with the state's push for a low carbon industry, as construction is one of the sectors that contributes to carbon emissions. 'We need to find new methods, such as using green materials, and also implement low carbon footprint approaches in the building industry. 'For instance, the use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) will help achieve this,' he said. Abang Johari added that eligible Sarawakians can pursue the course at no cost. 'Next year, we will send our students who are eligible to study in our universities under the free tertiary education,' he said. Abang Johari said the Bachelor of Engineering in Construction Management is among the first disciplines of its kind introduced in Borneo and will be offered at University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) and Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak. 'UTS in Sibu and Swinburne are ready. iCATS is not yet ready. By next year, we will start,' he added.
