(Kuching, 13th) Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari will head to Bintulu tomorrow to witness the departure ceremony for the Sarawak Petrochemical Company's methanol export shipment and the groundbreaking ceremony for the Green Methanol project.
The Premier announced this news today at the 2025 Sarawak Premier's Initiatives event held at the Borneo Convention Centre in Kuching.
He stated that the methanol plant project has strengthened Sarawak's industrial foundation and could generate a significant multiplier effect. It is expected to stimulate the growth of supporting industries such as logistics, maintenance, and professional manufacturing, while creating high-value employment opportunities.
Abang Johari recalled that last year, Sarawak witnessed the commissioning of the Sarawak Petrochemical methanol plant located in Bintulu, demonstrating the state's commitment to economic diversification and providing value-added production for regional and global markets.
“The takeover of Bintulu Port complements these efforts. This milestone enhances our logistical capabilities, ensuring efficient transportation of goods to global markets, while directly supporting the growth of our industrial sector.”
As Sarawak continues to expand its industrial capacity through transformative initiatives like the methanol plant, he said the expansion of Bintulu Port will be indispensable.
“It is a vital trade channel, seamlessly linking Sarawak's industry with regional and global supply chains, thereby enhancing our competitiveness on the world stage.”
Abang Johari asserted that Sarawak is unwavering in strengthening its development ecosystem to support economic growth and global competitiveness.
As Sarawak expands its global influence, he said the state is committed to bolstering its role as a key player in the energy and petrochemical industries.
He stated that Sarawak Petroleum Company (Petros) was appointed by the Sarawak government at the beginning of last year as the state's natural gas aggregator, enabling the company to oversee the management and distribution of gas resources, ensuring greater control over Sarawak's energy supply chain.
“Sarawak Petroleum Company is now well-positioned to negotiate better terms for Sarawak, expand our energy capacity, and drive further growth in the energy sector.”
He further noted that Sarawak has made significant progress in economic diversification, digital transformation, and renewable energy development, gaining global recognition in recent years.
He was pleased to note that these achievements have positioned Sarawak as a leader in sustainable development, reinforcing the state's vision to become a hub for renewable energy and digital innovation.
In just the past year alone, he said major milestones were achieved by the state government, with total approved investments reaching 13.4 billion ringgit in the first 9 months, solidifying Sarawak's position as a preferred investment destination.
“As part of our investment strategy for Sarawak's future, we took a bold step in September 2024, acquiring a 31.25% stake in Affin Bank Berhad. This strategic move aims to strengthen our financial ecosystem, empower local businesses, startups, and SMEs to thrive, and ensure greater financial inclusion, particularly for underserved communities across Sarawak.”
“Building on this momentum, we established the Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office in Brunei in October 2024, further enhancing our regional and international influence, particularly in trade, tourism, and investment.”