KUCHING: Sarawak Governor, Tun Pehin Sri Dr. Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar expressed appreciation for the achievements and resolution of the Sarawak Government in implementing various strategic initiatives.
These initiatives cover green energy, human capital development, infrastructure, and investments that strengthen the state's competitiveness at the regional and international levels.
Tun Pehin Sri Dr. Wan Junaidi described the Sarawak Government's move to strengthen the renewable energy agenda as the right step in facing global climate change and positioning Sarawak as the 'Battery of ASEAN'.
“I am proud of Sarawak Petchem’s success in its first export of methanol to China, while the launch of the Green Methanol Project is proof of Sarawak’s commitment to low-carbon fuels.
“Additionally, the waste-to-energy effort also strengthens sustainable waste management while generating state revenue,” he said.
He spoke to officiate the First Meeting of the Fourth Term of the 19th Sarawak Legislative Assembly Sitting on Monday.
The Head of State also welcomed the Sarawak Government’s initiative to strengthen human capital development that is responsive to the needs of today’s industry, including through the establishment of international schools and state-owned technical and vocational education institutions.
“The provision of free tertiary education to Sarawakian children in selected fields at state-owned institutions beginning next year is an initiative that will have a big impact,” he said, while advocating for closer collaboration between higher education institutions and the industry to ensure talent development remains relevant.
In addition, he also expressed appreciation for the Sarawak Government’s success in completing several major bridges connecting urban and rural areas such as the Marudi, Muara Lassa, Bintulu-Jepak, and Batang Rajang bridges.
“These infrastructure projects are vital in increasing rural productivity and unlocking opportunities in agriculture, tourism, and small and medium enterprises,” he said.
Commenting on the state’s economic progress, Tun Pehin Sri Dr. Wan Junaidi said Sarawak is now emerging as a progressive region with political stability, clear economic policies, and prudent fiscal management.
He also supported the Sarawak Government’s strategic move to take over the Bintulu Port Authority, as well as MASwings, leading to the establishment of AirBorneo, as efforts to strengthen the state’s position as a regional logistics hub.
“The proposal to build a new port and airport is also very timely. I call on the private sector to also contribute to this high-impact initiative, while the public must be ready to seize the resulting job and business opportunities,” he said.
Also present were Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg; Sarawak Deputy Premiers, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and Datuk Amar Professor Dr. Sim Kui Hian; Speaker of the Sarawak Legislative Assembly, Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nasar; Sarawak Cabinet Ministers; Sarawak Secretary, Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki; Sarawak Deputy Ministers; Assemblymen; heads of departments; and other distinguished guests. -UKASnews
