InvestSarawak, Singapore’s Surbana Jurong Infrastructure ink MoU to develop low-carbon industries in State

Abang Johari (ninth left) and others during the MoU signing ceremony between InvestSarawak and Surbana Jurong Infrastructure at the Singapore Pavilion at the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on Dec 5, 2023.

DUBAI, Dec 5: InvestSarawak Sdn Bhd signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Singapore’s Surbana Jurong Infrastructure Pte Ltd in conjunction with the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, who was at the MoU signing ceremony, said it will cover areas of collaborations in industry transformation, energy transition and industrial decarbonisation; carbon capture, usage, and storage (CCUS) decarbonisation and industrial park development and management in hopes of realising the development of low-carbon industries in Sarawak.

“This MoU is a natural progression following the completion of the Master Plan for the Development of Industrial Terminals in Sarawak that Surbana Jurong did for the government of Sarawak.

“The Master Plan has identified challenges and opportunities for Sarawak’s industrial landscape, such as green economy opportunities and enhance and develop skillsets to equip the people of Sarawak for these new opportunities, and the implementation of a just energy transition and industrial decarbonisation projects, integrated with greenfield and brownfield industrial activities,” he said during the MoU signing ceremony at the Singapore Pavilion at COP28 today.

In his speech, he said Sarawak remains one of the most popular destinations for investment and, in recent years, sustainable ones in Malaysia and the region.

He added that Sarawak welcomes investments and collaborations, particularly in six priority sectors, namely manufacturing, commercial agriculture, tourism, forestry, mining, and services, that can create mutual benefits for all.

The Premier added that up until September this year, the Sarawak government has approved RM11.3 billion worth of investments in the manufacturing sector and credited business-friendly policies that have always supported investments of both foreign direct investment (FDI) and domestic direct investment (DDI).

“The Sarawak government’s commitment to sustainable development has gained attention from the world. This is evident through favourable ratings by international rating agencies such as Standard and Poor’s and Moody’s Investor Services that concur with Sarawak’s strategy to attract more quality investments to develop Sarawak on a big scale,” he said.

Furthermore, he said, Sarawak is now focusing on promoting low-carbon solutions and a green and circular economy while aiming to be a regional leader in innovation and a high technology-based economy.

During the signing ceremony, InvestSarawak was represented by Timothy Ong, with Dzulkornain Masron as the witness, while Tan Wooi Leong represented Surbana Jurong, with Yeo Choon Chong as the witness. — DayakDaily

Abang Johari and his entourage meeting with Malaysian Minister for Natural Resources, Environment, and Climate Change Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad at the Malaysia Pavilion at the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on Dec 5, 2023.