Catalyst to bring Bintulu to next level
Methanol project in Tg Kidurong will transform world-renowned LNG gas producer into petrochemical hub, says CM
As part of our industrialisation agenda, we want to make a high-value petrochemical industry as one of our key drivers for the growth of the state’s manufacturing sector.
Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg
BINTULU: The Sarawak Methanol project in Tanjung Kidurong here will be the catalyst for future downstream addedvalue petrochemical industries within the SEDC Petchem Hub, said Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said the project will undoubtedly be a catalyst to further transform Bintulu from the current world-renowned LNG gas producer to a petro-chemical hub with future downstream value-added integrated petrochemical complex.
“This will add multiple values to our natural resources which will benefit the state economically derived through its value chains,” he told a press conference during his second visit to the Sarawak Petchem Methanol project here yesterday.
The project, he said, marks another significant milestone not only to industrialise the state, but more importantly the realisation of Sarawak companies venturing into the oil and gas industry, particularly in the downstream petro-chemical sector.
“The methanol here becomes raw material for the production of other products, the value chain will be around in this area. There is already a very big investment coming here using part of the product from methanol, it is something related to medical equipment, I will announce it later,” he said.
The chief minister said it shows that foreign investors have confidence in Sarawak, with its friendly people and political stability where leaders work as a team to achieve its vision for the future.
“With some more investments coming, it will create jobs for the young, they must be trained to perform their duties,” said Abang Johari, who was impressed with the physical progress of the project.
He said as Sarawak aspires to be a developed state by the year 2030, the state government and its entire machinery together with the participation of the private sector are pu ing in all efforts to ensure Sarawak achieves industrialised status.
“As part of our industrialisation agenda, we want to make a high-value petrochemical industry as one of our key drivers for the growth of the state’s manufacturing sector, and Sarawak Petchem is playing the role significantly.
KUCHING: The provision of RM500 one-off financial assistance to each operator of water taxis or penambang operator by the state government will benefit and lighten the financial burden of 199 of them, involving an expenditure of RM99,500 for this year, said Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin.
The one-off assistance to each penambang operator registered with Sarawak Rivers Board (SRB) is one of the measures under Bantuan Khas Sarawakku Sayang (BKSS) 6.0, he added.
“The Sarawak government has approved this assistance to the penambang operators twice. In 2020, an amount of RM99,500 was disbursed to 199 of them, and now in 2021 another RM99,500 is being disbursed to them,” he said in a statement yesterday.
In the Kuching region, covering Kuching, Samarahan, Serian, Sri Aman and Betong Divisions, a total of 131 operators received a cumulative amount of RM16,500, while in Sibu the region, covering Sibu, Sarikei, Mukah and Kapit Divisions, a total of 10 received a total of RM5,500.
In the Miri region, covering Bintulu, Miri and Limbang Divisions, 58 received the assistance, which added up to a total of RM29,000.
Lee noted that during the Movement Control Order (MCO) and the present National Recovery Plan (NRP) – Phase 3 for Sarawak, the penambang operators have continuously suffered loss of income due to the drastic drop in number of passengers, including tourists.
“The Ministry of Transport through the Sarawak Rivers Board is continuously monitoring as well as engaging with the Resident of the respective division and the passenger boat operators on the situation and development of the riverine transportation services in the state.
“Hopefully in the very near future, we would be able to have the riverine transportation operating in full capacity,” he said.
In this regard, he urged all the relevant parties especially the riverine transport operators as well as riverine transport users to give full support and cooperation to the government to curb the spread of Covid-19 by following strictly the standard operating procedures (SOP) published by Sarawak Disaster
Management Commi ee (SDMC), the National Security Council and the Health Ministry in the interest of all Sarawakians.
On behalf of the Ministry of Transport, Sarawak and the penambang operators, Lee thanked the state government and Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg for his understanding and concern on the predicament faced by the penambang operators by approving the RM500 one-off financial assistance to each of them registered with SRB.
The symbolic handing over of cheques to the operators took place at Bintulu Passenger Terminal this morning and at Sibu Passenger Terminal this a ernoon.
The Sarawak government has approved this assistance to the penambang operators twice. In 2020, an amount of RM99,500 was disbursed to 199 of them, and now in 2021 another RM99,500 is being disbursed to them.
Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin