BINTULU, July 23: Bintulu will be powered by a one-gigawatt electricity supply and enhanced by a modern Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) system to support its growing role as a global low-carbon industrial hub.
Premier Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg revealed that two 500-megawatt combined cycle gas turbine power plants, with one currently under construction and another planned, will meet the future energy needs of industries and a rising population in the region.
“Bintulu will have, between now and 2035, one gigawatt of power supply. This is what we provide for the investors,” he said, highlighting the government’s long-term strategy to attract both international and domestic investments through robust infrastructure.
He made these remarks in speech when officiating the grand opening of the Imperial Hotel Bintulu in Bintulu, which was streamed live through Ukas Channel today.
Abang Johari added that a hydrogen-powered autonomous rapid transit (ART) system, currently under development in Kuching, will also be introduced in Bintulu under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), with the transit line connecting Bintulu to Kidurong and extending to Samalaju, forming a critical mobility link between three key satellite townships.
“This ART will improve mobility between Bintulu and the three significant centres of Kidurong and Samalaju. It’s part of our vision towards 2030 and beyond,” he said.
He acknowledged international players such as Japan’s Sumitomo, South Korea’s Samsung, and European investors for showing strong interest in Bintulu’s industrial potential.
He emphasised that Bintulu’s transformation into a strategic low-carbon industrial zone has captured international attention, notably recognition by the World Economic Forum as one of only 36 “Emerging Transition Industrial Clusters” globally, and one of only two in Asia.
“This means we are now becoming the focus of the world. Not only are we promoting green, low-carbon industries, but we are also providing basic infrastructure, including quality properties and venues like this hotel for conferences,” he said.
With rapid development and a growing workforce, including foreign professionals, Abang Johari said Bintulu must also prepare to accommodate educational needs.
“Bintulu needs international schools. This is our plan to ensure quality education is accessible as the population grows,” he said.
Abang Johari praised Shin Yang Group of Companies for diversifying from timber and shipping into the hospitality sector, describing the Imperial Hotel as a milestone that reflects confidence in Bintulu’s future.
“Congratulations to Datuk James Ling and Shin Yang for putting the money back into Bintulu and elevating our tourism industry,” he said.
He assured that the Sarawak government will continue to partner with the private sector to drive development, stating: “With investments from both government and private sector, Bintulu will definitely advance and prosper.”
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, Sarawak Legislative Assembly Speaker Tan Sri Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar, Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki as well as Shin Yang Group of Companies executive chairman Tan Sri Ling Chiong Ho and executive vice chairman and managing director Datuk James Ling Lu Kiong were among the distinguished guests present.
Premier Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg revealed that two 500-megawatt combined cycle gas turbine power plants, with one currently under construction and another planned, will meet the future energy needs of industries and a rising population in the region.
“Bintulu will have, between now and 2035, one gigawatt of power supply. This is what we provide for the investors,” he said, highlighting the government’s long-term strategy to attract both international and domestic investments through robust infrastructure.
He made these remarks in speech when officiating the grand opening of the Imperial Hotel Bintulu in Bintulu, which was streamed live through Ukas Channel today.
Abang Johari added that a hydrogen-powered autonomous rapid transit (ART) system, currently under development in Kuching, will also be introduced in Bintulu under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), with the transit line connecting Bintulu to Kidurong and extending to Samalaju, forming a critical mobility link between three key satellite townships.
“This ART will improve mobility between Bintulu and the three significant centres of Kidurong and Samalaju. It’s part of our vision towards 2030 and beyond,” he said.
He acknowledged international players such as Japan’s Sumitomo, South Korea’s Samsung, and European investors for showing strong interest in Bintulu’s industrial potential.
He emphasised that Bintulu’s transformation into a strategic low-carbon industrial zone has captured international attention, notably recognition by the World Economic Forum as one of only 36 “Emerging Transition Industrial Clusters” globally, and one of only two in Asia.
“This means we are now becoming the focus of the world. Not only are we promoting green, low-carbon industries, but we are also providing basic infrastructure, including quality properties and venues like this hotel for conferences,” he said.
With rapid development and a growing workforce, including foreign professionals, Abang Johari said Bintulu must also prepare to accommodate educational needs.
“Bintulu needs international schools. This is our plan to ensure quality education is accessible as the population grows,” he said.
Abang Johari praised Shin Yang Group of Companies for diversifying from timber and shipping into the hospitality sector, describing the Imperial Hotel as a milestone that reflects confidence in Bintulu’s future.
“Congratulations to Datuk James Ling and Shin Yang for putting the money back into Bintulu and elevating our tourism industry,” he said.
He assured that the Sarawak government will continue to partner with the private sector to drive development, stating: “With investments from both government and private sector, Bintulu will definitely advance and prosper.”
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, Sarawak Legislative Assembly Speaker Tan Sri Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar, Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki as well as Shin Yang Group of Companies executive chairman Tan Sri Ling Chiong Ho and executive vice chairman and managing director Datuk James Ling Lu Kiong were among the distinguished guests present.