Latest news with #Patinggi
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sarawak charts path to statewide piped gas access, says Premier
Abang Johari cooks tapioca as a symbolic gesture for the launch. BINTULU (July 23): Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has reaffirmed the Sarawak government's strong commitment to expanding piped gas infrastructure to every household in the state – a move aimed at enhancing energy accessibility and economic equity. Speaking to reporters after launching the piped natural gas supply to homes in Sungai Plan here today, Abang Johari said the initiative is part of a long-term master plan to ensure Sarawakians benefit directly from the state's own gas resources. 'This is just the beginning of our effort to supply gas to our people so they can enjoy the benefits of the gas extracted in our own backyard,' he said. He cited a successful pilot project in the Quadruplex Taman Ceria (QTC) housing area in Miri, where residents have seen savings of up to 40 per cent or around RM40 monthly after switching from gas cylinders to piped delivery. Determined to extend these benefits across Sarawak, the Premier unveiled the Sarawak Gas Roadmap, which outlines a statewide piped gas distribution system. 'We are developing a network of gas distribution hubs throughout Sarawak in Bintulu, Kuching, Miri, and possibly Sibu from where piped gas can be channeled to surrounding areas, even reaching remote towns like Kapit,' he said. According to him, the concept of piped gas is not new to Sarawak, citing earlier systems in Lutong, Sarawak and Seria, Brunei, that predate the formation of Malaysia. Abang Johari emphasised that Sarawak's legal framework, particularly the Sarawak Gas Distribution Ordinance, remains intact and continues to empower the state to regulate and manage its own gas sector. Under this framework, Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros) has been formally appointed the sole gas aggregator for Sarawak, with full authority to manage supply from upstream to end users. He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for endorsing this via a joint declaration between the federal and state governments, which enabled Petros to operate as the sole legal and operational aggregator. 'All companies involved in the gas business must comply with our existing laws. This is a people-centric project, and through the hub-and-spoke model, it will benefit not just urban dwellers but rural communities as well,' he said. The roadmap, he added, will offer tiered benefits across various user groups – residential homes, SMEs, and heavy industries such as methanol production – with rates based on consumption levels. 'The greatest impact will be on ordinary Sarawakians, especially B40 households and those with lower incomes, by easing their cost of living,' he said. Abang Johari also welcomed the federal government's latest cost-of-living measures announced today, including fuel price reductions and other incentives. 'PMX announced his support, and we too are helping our people. Thank you for the initiatives. It shows that the people of Sarawak benefit both from Kuala Lumpur and from Petra Jaya, Kuching,' he said. Also present at the event were deputy premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Amar Prof Dr Sim Kui Hian, Petros chairman Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr Hamid Bugo and other state Cabinet ministers and their deputies. Abang Johari piped gas statewide
Borneo Post
16-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Premier to officially open RM375.5 mln Batang Saribas 1 Bridge on July 19
Uggah chairs the meeting to prepare for the bridge and BDDA launches. BETONG (June 16): Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg is scheduled to officially open Batang Saribas 1 Bridge on July 19. Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, who is Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development, said the launch in Pusa will begin at 10.30am. Uggah said this after chairing a meeting on preparations and the formation of an organising committee for the opening ceremony here today. He said Abang Johari will also launch the Betong Division Development Agency (BDDA). 'We feel that it is most appropriate for him to launch the RM375.5 million bridge and the BDDA. The 1.55km long bridge ends the people's 60 years' wait for a bridge crossing the Batang Saribas. It is now open for public use. 'On the other hand, the BDDA, one of the nine regional development agencies in the state, was established in September 2022. It is high time to tell Betong folks of the progress it has achieved so far,' Uggah said. He said Betong residents also wished to thank the Premier for the bridge and for allocating a big budget of RM1.5 billion to BDDA. According to him, BDDA is a game changer and is on the path to fulfilling the people's expectations for more development, progress, and a better life. 'I hope Betong folks will turn up in full force for the two functions, although we are targeting a crowd of not less than 5,000,' he added. Among those present at the meeting were Betong MP Datuk Dr Richard Rapu, Batang Lupar MP Mohamad Shafizan Kepli, Krian and Kalaka assemblymen Friday Belik and Mohamad Duri, as well as Betong Resident Richard Michael Abunawas. abang johari Batang Saribas 1 Bridge douglas uggah embas lead
Borneo Post
13-06-2025
- Health
- Borneo Post
Premier: Quality healthcare must reach every Sarawakian, no matter where they live
Abang Johari speaks during the 51st Annual Scientific Congress of the College of Surgeons, Academy of Medicine of Malaysia at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching today. – Ukas photo KUCHING (June 13): Every Sarawakian, regardless of their location, deserves access to high-quality healthcare services, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. According to a Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas) report, Abang Johari reaffirmed the Sarawak government's commitment to building an inclusive and equitable healthcare system, particularly for those in rural and interior regions. 'Our aim is to ensure that all Sarawakians, no matter their geographical location, can access the highest standard of healthcare,' he said during his address at the 51st Annual Scientific Congress of the College of Surgeons, Academy of Medicine of Malaysia at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching today. The Premier highlighted that the state's health transformation agenda is well underway. This includes expanding access through telemedicine, extending specialist outreach to underserved regions, and strengthening collaboration in medical education and research. While embracing technology as a driver for healthcare reform, Abang Johari also raised concerns over emerging ethical issues. 'There is a fine line between innovation that uplifts humanity and developments that prioritise profit over people. 'The concern is whether these innovations will be accessible to all, or only to those who can afford them,' he said and called on medical institutions and practitioners to strike a balance to ensure that no one is left behind in the pursuit of progress. 'Innovation must not only be commercially viable but also inclusive, addressing the needs of the wider population – not just the privileged few,' he added. Abang Johari also urged the medical fraternity to continue advancing science with a people-centred approach, ensuring that new developments enhance the collective well-being of society.
Borneo Post
29-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sarawak unveils ambitious Sustainability Blueprint 2030 to lead Southeast Asia's green transition
Abang Johari (centre) shows the Sustainability Blueprint 2030 booklet while others look on. KUCHING (May 29): Sarawak has positioned itself as a regional leader in climate action with the launch of its Sustainability Blueprint 2030, a comprehensive roadmap aimed at accelerating the state's transition to a low-carbon, green economy. Unveiled by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg during the Asia Carbon Conference 2025 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) today, the blueprint outlines 10 strategic thrusts, 48 strategies, and 111 actionable plans to guide the state's environmental and economic transformation. It was developed by the State Ministry of Energy and Environmental Sustainability. 'Sarawak is determined to lead Malaysia and the region in climate action and sustainable development,' Abang Johari said in his keynote address. He highlighted Sarawak's significant progress in renewable energy development, noting that hydropower now accounts for 70 per cent of the state's energy mix. This shift has enabled Sarawak to cut its grid carbon emissions by 72 per cent since 2010 – well ahead of its 2030 targets. He also pointed to the state's growing hydrogen economy and the deployment of solar and mini-hydro solutions for rural electrification, along with rising adoption of electric vehicles. He cited the Sarawak Methanol Complex, launched in 2024 and already exporting, as a key driver of green industrial growth. On carbon management, Sarawak is developing four carbon capture and storage (CCS) sites by 2030, with Petros spearheading the state's Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) strategy. The recently enacted Environment (Reduction of Greenhouse Gases Emission) Ordinance 2023, effective since March, mandates GHG reporting and lays the foundation for carbon levies and emissions trading. Additionally, Sarawak is working with the World Bank to establish a Carbon Levy framework and finalising a comprehensive Carbon Plan to support a regulated, investor-friendly carbon market. Sarawak's commitment to biodiversity was also emphasised. The state has launched a Biodiversity Masterplan, integrated conservation into development planning, and enabled biofuel production using palm oil waste. Seven forestry carbon study permits have been issued, with one nature-based carbon project licensed and six more under review. Sarawak also aims to publish a full greenhouse gas inventory by 2027 to benchmark emissions against a carbon budget. 'This is not just Sarawak's carbon journey as this is our contribution to the planet and future generations,' said Abang Johari. With Malaysia chairing Asean this year 2025, Sarawak is positioning itself as a regional model for green development. Abang Johari called on local and international partners to collaborate on sustainable projects, reaffirming Sarawak's openness to investment and cooperation. 'Sarawak is open for business, and more importantly, Sarawak is open for collaboration. 'This is not just Sarawak's carbon journey as this is our contribution to the planet and future generations,' he said. The Asia Carbon Conference (ACC), which runs from May 29-30 at the BCCK, provides a critical platform for discussions on carbon pricing, CCS, nature-based solutions, policy frameworks, and green investment opportunities. abang johari Sustainability Blueprint 2030
Borneo Post
04-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Premier: Bank Negara's approval needed for overseas Sarawakian students' financial aid
Abang Johari is greeted by students who participate in the townhall session. KUCHING (May 4): The Sarawak government requires approval and clear guidelines from Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) to ensure the Special Financial Assistance (BKK) can be fairly distributed to Sarawakians pursuing their studies abroad, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. According to the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas), Abang Johari stated that the BKK of RM1,200 is currently distributed only to Sarawak students enrolled in institutions of higher learning within Malaysia. He also clarified that the special financial assistance has not been extended to students studying overseas due to complexities in foreign currency exchange transactions, which are strictly monitored by financial authorities. 'The issue is not that we refuse to provide assistance, but this process is very complex and requires approval and clear guidelines from BNM,' he said during the Sarawak Agenda Townhall session in conjunction with Lan Berambeh Anak Sarawak 2025, United Kingdom (UK) Edition in London on Saturday. It was previously reported that Sarawakian students pursuing higher education at public and private institutions across Malaysia could apply for the state's BKK starting May 1. Introduced during Abang Johari's winding-up speech at the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly sitting in November last year, the assistance was initially targeted at students from households with a per capita income of RM1,500 or below. However, the eligibility has since been expanded to include all full-time diploma and bachelor's degree students with Sarawakian status, regardless of socioeconomic background. On another note, Abang Johari also announced that the Lan Berambeh Anak Sarawak 2025′ – United Kingdom (UK) Edition will become an annual event following the overwhelming response and strong participation from the Sarawakian student community abroad to its inaugural event in London on Saturday. He revealed that the 2026 edition will take place in the city of Manchester. 'After discussions with my fellow Cabinet Ministers from Sarawak who are here with me, we have agreed to establish 'Lan Berambeh Anak Sarawak' UK Edition as an annual event starting next year,' he said at the Sarawak Students' Gala Dinner later that evening. The event brought together hundreds of Sarawakian students currently pursuing their studies in the United Kingdom, France, and Germany, celebrating their shared heritage and camaraderie. abang johari lead overseas students special financial assistance
