BDA’s new Bintulu Sustainability Award to acknowledge division’s sustainable practices

BINTULU (March 17): The Bintulu Development Authority (BDA) has introduced the Bintulu Sustainability Award (BiSA) 2026 to encourage and recognise sustainable development practices among organisations, institutions, and individuals in the division.

BDA general manager Datu Muhamad Yakup Kari, who is BiSA 2026 patron, said the initiative reflects efforts to ensure that the town’s rapid industrial development is balanced with environmental protection and community well-being.

“Bintulu is now among the fastest-growing industrial centre in Sarawak and plays a significant role in supporting the state’s economic growth.

“Along with this development, it is important that progress remains balanced with environmental preservation and the welfare of the community,” he said during the pre-launch press conference on Monday.

The programme is organised in collaboration with strategic partners the Department of Environment (DoE), Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB), Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH), Universiti Putra Malaysia Sarawak (UPMS), and Bintulu District Education Office.

Muhamad Yakup stressed sustainability efforts require the involvement of multiple stakeholders, including the government, industry players, educational institutions, communities, and individuals.

He said BiSA is in line with the BDA Strategic Plan 2024–2030 and supports the development of Bintulu as a low-carbon industrial hub by 2030.

“Through BiSA, we aim not only to recognise organisations and individuals committed to sustainability but also to create a platform for sharing best practices and innovations in environmental management and sustainable development,” he said.

For 2026, the awards will feature six main categories: enterprise sector (large, small, and medium industries and plantations); service sector (large, small, and medium enterprises); educational institutions including preschools, primary, and secondary schools as well as higher education institutions; government agencies; community and non-governmental organisations (NGOs); as well as individuals.

Muhamad Yakup said with strong collaboration among all stakeholders, BiSA has the potential to become a significant sustainability recognition programme not only in Bintulu but also statewide.

Nominations are now open for BiSA 2026.

Participants will be evaluated under a structured BiSA Sustainability Rating pyramid, which tracks progress from foundational commitment to elite leadership.

The tiers include Sustainability Commitment, Sustainability Progress, Sustainability Achievement, Sustainability Excellence, Sustainability Leadership, and BiSA Sustainability Grand Award.

Successful applicants stand to receive a range of official recognitions, including the BiSA Sustainability Trophy, certificates, and placement in the official registry.

For the secondary school category, the deadline to submit entries is set for 30 June, while participants in all other categories have until July 31 to register.

For details go to https://sites.google.com/view/bisabintulu/home.