Latest news with #PostCOVID-19DevelopmentStrategy2030
BusinessToday
21-07-2025
- Business
- BusinessToday
Refuelling Sarawak's Growth
Sarawak is fast positioning itself as Malaysia's clean energy powerhouse with bold plans to quadruple power generation to 15GW by 2035. A recent field trip by CIMB Research to the state revealed that major shifts are underway — not just in energy, but also in infrastructure, digitalisation, and industrial expansion — aligned with Sarawak's Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030). CIMB analysts identified key beneficiaries of the state's growth plans ahead of its next election, due by April 2027. Infrastructure giants like Gamuda and IJM, as well as Sarawak-based names Cahya Mata, Ibraco, Solarvest, CCK, and Supreme Consolidated, are all poised to ride the wave of development. A Green Leap Forward Sarawak's clean energy agenda is being driven by a pivot away from mega dams toward cascading hydro, floating solar, pumped hydro, and integrated hydro-solar projects. Its landmark hydrogen programmes, H2ornbill and H2biscus, aim to generate over 240,000 tonnes of hydrogen annually by 2029, with exports targeted at Japan and South Korea. The state's strategic shift includes deprioritising coal and rare earth mining, while doubling down on green cement, silica-based solar glass, and biofuels. Major infrastructure upgrades, including a RM4 billion water grid, are also underway to support these ambitions. Industrial Parks and Transport Mega-Projects Sarawak plans to construct 10 new industrial parks and 6 agro-parks, alongside the expansion of existing industrial hubs such as Samalaju Industrial Park (SIP) and Petchem Industrial Park in Kidurong. With strong demand, only 12% of land at SIP remains available, despite already attracting RM57 billion in investments. Infrastructure development is also intensifying. The state is pursuing transformative projects such as a new airport and deep seaport in Kuching, the Lawas Airport and port complex, and major road, water, and utility upgrades. The Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS), featuring hydrogen-powered Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART), is a headline initiative under Sarawak Metro, expected to begin operations in 2028. Phase 1 of KUTS, valued at over RM6 billion, will span 70km across 28 stations. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles will be supported by a purpose-built depot in Rembus, and a RM122 million contract for 55 feeder buses has already been awarded. Strategic Investment and Clean Energy Partnerships Sarawak's investment agency, InvestSarawak, operating under MINTRED, has been actively securing green investments. A notable development was the signing of an MoU with China's CRE International in 2024 to explore USD1.5 billion (RM6.4 billion) worth of solar, wind, and energy storage projects with a capacity target of 2GW. MINTRED has also launched ENBASE, a digital platform to support entrepreneurial development, and is spearheading efforts to attract investments in semiconductors, medical devices, and green hydrogen. Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hassan recently led a trade mission to France, engaging with private equity firm Ardian on high-tech sector opportunities. SCORE and the Corridor Vision Driving long-term industrialisation is the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE), which spans 80% of the state. Managed by RECODA, SCORE has already secured RM127 billion in approved investments across 464 projects, mainly in energy-intensive sectors. RECODA also oversees over 250 infrastructure projects and administers social programmes focused on poverty reduction, workforce upskilling, and rural development. Its regional development arms — URDA, HDA, and NRDA — have tailored master plans to ensure inclusive and area-specific progress. Election-Led Re-Rating Opportunities With the next Sarawak state election expected before April 2027, CIMB foresees a potential re-rating of Sarawak-linked stocks, particularly in infrastructure and consumer sectors. Companies like Gamuda and IJM are favoured for their involvement in road and public transport contracts, while Cahya Mata, Ibraco, Solarvest, CCK, and Supreme stand to benefit from surging state-level economic activity. However, risks remain. These include funding and talent constraints, rising competition from foreign contractors, and the still-limited participation of public-listed players in large hydrogen or hydroelectric ventures. Looking ahead, Sarawak's clear policy direction reinforces the state's vision to become a high-income and developed state by 2030. With a record-high RM15.8 billion budget for 2025 and 70% allocated to development, the transformation is not just aspirational — it's already underway. Related
New Straits Times
16-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Malakoff inks MoU with EESB to develop green power projects in Sarawak
KUCHING: Independent power producer Malakoff Corp Bhd today formalised a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with real estate and construction group Evergreen Earth Sdn Bhd (EESB) to develop Sarawak's green power projects. The MoU exchange ceremony was held in conjunction with International Energy Week (IEW) 2025 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching. It was witnessed by Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, who is also the Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation. The MoU was exchanged between Malakoff's business development head, Shaja Ibrahim, and EESB director, Datuk Mohamad Danel Abong. In a joint statement, Malakoff and EESB said the collaboration covers feasibility studies, site assessments, project development strategies and local partnership models related to solar photovoltaic (PV) and other renewable energy (RE) ventures. "The collaboration will also encompass the sharing of technical expertise, regulatory insights and market intelligence, as well as coordinated efforts to engage with relevant authorities and stakeholders to secure necessary approvals and grid integration. "These joint efforts are aligned with Sarawak's Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 and Malaysia's National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR), supporting the country's long-term sustainability and clean energy goals," said the statement. Malakoff managing director and chief executive officer Anwar Syahrin Abdul Ajib said green power projects represent a significant step towards accelerating Malaysia's energy transition. "By supporting Sarawak's efforts to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and diversify its renewable energy mix, we are contributing to the development of a more sustainable and future-ready energy ecosystem. "These projects are expected to deliver strong economic value through job creation, upskilling of local talent and the development of rural infrastructure. This partnership builds on Malakoff's broader RE progress, which includes a total generating capacity of 198 megawatt (MW) across solar, waste-to-energy and small hydropower assets," he said. Anwar Syahrin also said that as of June this year, Malakoff's rooftop solar capacity reached 63.6 MW, while in 2024, its RE portfolio generated 67.0 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of clean electricity.
Barnama
31-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
S'wak Pushing For Dayak Community Progress Via Free Education, Rural Development
KUCHING, May 31 (Bernama)– 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, in line with the goals outlined in the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030). State Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg 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. Abang Johari also said that 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 GPS-led government's commitment to improving transportation infrastructure, thereby facilitating the movement of people, agricultural produce and local industrial goods. Meanwhile, the Premier said that the state government is considering a proposal to convert 5,000 kilometres 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 Sun
31-05-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Sarawak Governor urges vigilance on roads after deadly FRU crash
KUCHING: The Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar has called on the public to take heed of the recent road tragedy that claimed the lives of nine Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) officers, urging greater vigilance and responsibility during festive travel. In a message marking the 2025 Gawai Dayak celebrations, he said such tragedies should serve as a wake-up call on the importance of adhering to safety measures and driving responsibly. 'As we celebrate Gawai Dayak with joy, I urge all Sarawakians to be cautious and prioritise safety on the roads, especially when returning to their hometowns,' he said today. With improved infrastructure, including the Pan Borneo Highway, easing travel across the region, Wan Junaidi warned against turning such routes into 'racing circuits', stressing that 'it is better to arrive late than never'. Turning to broader development, Wan Junaidi reaffirmed the state's commitment to narrowing the urban-rural divide, citing significant infrastructure upgrades under the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030). These include the rebuilding of more than 200 dilapidated schools and the construction of 16 bridges, along with the ongoing expansion of the Pan Borneo Highway and coastal road networks. 'These efforts are not just about better connectivity, but also about improving quality of life in rural areas, from road access and clean water to telecommunications,' he said. Wan Junaidi also highlighted the state's focus on education, noting various initiatives to boost literacy and academic achievement, including early intervention programmes and the establishment of community-based learning centres. He urged parents to prioritise their children's education, describing it as 'key to a brighter future'. Reflecting on the deeper meaning of Gawai Dayak, officially celebrated since 1965, Wan Junaidi said the festival is more than just a harvest celebration. He said it embodies unity, harmony and mutual respect among Sarawak's diverse communities, values that must be preserved and strengthened.
The Sun
31-05-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
S'wak Governor urges vigilance on roads after deadly FRU crash
KUCHING: The Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar has called on the public to take heed of the recent road tragedy that claimed the lives of nine Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) officers, urging greater vigilance and responsibility during festive travel. In a message marking the 2025 Gawai Dayak celebrations, he said such tragedies should serve as a wake-up call on the importance of adhering to safety measures and driving responsibly. 'As we celebrate Gawai Dayak with joy, I urge all Sarawakians to be cautious and prioritise safety on the roads, especially when returning to their hometowns,' he said today. With improved infrastructure, including the Pan Borneo Highway, easing travel across the region, Wan Junaidi warned against turning such routes into 'racing circuits', stressing that 'it is better to arrive late than never'. Turning to broader development, Wan Junaidi reaffirmed the state's commitment to narrowing the urban-rural divide, citing significant infrastructure upgrades under the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030). These include the rebuilding of more than 200 dilapidated schools and the construction of 16 bridges, along with the ongoing expansion of the Pan Borneo Highway and coastal road networks. 'These efforts are not just about better connectivity, but also about improving quality of life in rural areas, from road access and clean water to telecommunications,' he said. Wan Junaidi also highlighted the state's focus on education, noting various initiatives to boost literacy and academic achievement, including early intervention programmes and the establishment of community-based learning centres. He urged parents to prioritise their children's education, describing it as 'key to a brighter future'. Reflecting on the deeper meaning of Gawai Dayak, officially celebrated since 1965, Wan Junaidi said the festival is more than just a harvest celebration. He said it embodies unity, harmony and mutual respect among Sarawak's diverse communities, values that must be preserved and strengthened.
