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The Ngiling Bidai ceremony in progress as Abang Johari (third from left) joins other distinguished guests in marking the conclusion of the Gawai celebration at Gedong on June 29, 2026. Photo credit: Ukas Advertisement
By Amanda L
KUCHING, June 29: Sarawak is set to produce sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from algae through a collaboration with Japan’s Chitose Group, with the green fuel expected to support future AirBorneo operations.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the Japanese green technology company will establish an algae production facility in the district, with the biomass to be processed into SAF and other bio-based products.
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Speaking at the Gawai Ngiling Bidai celebration in Gedong today, Abang Johari said the initiative marks another step in Sarawak’s transition towards a knowledge-based, low-carbon economy driven by science, technology and innovation.
“When we succeed in producing this fuel, our airline AirBorneo will use green fuel produced right here from Borneo,” he said.
“We have agreed to collaborate with scientists from Japan’s Chitose Group to carry out research in Gedong together with our scientists from the Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (SBC).
“Through this research, we will be able to develop new products that will drive the new economy and place Sarawak on par with more advanced countries,” he said.
Abang Johari said the partnership forms part of a wider strategy to transform Gedong into a centre for new industries, alongside ongoing investments in transport links, public infrastructure and utilities that will strengthen connectivity with neighbouring districts.
He added that Sarawak’s investments in emerging technologies, including algae cultivation, hydrogen and autonomous transport, are intended to diversify the State’s economy while creating opportunities in high-value, knowledge-intensive industries.
“We are entering a new economic landscape that depends on science and technology.
“Partnerships with international technology leaders would help position Sarawak as a producer and developer of advanced technologies rather than merely a consumer,” he said.
Meanwhile, Premier’s special representative in Gedong Datuk Seri Naroden Majais said the algae initiative is expected to expand beyond Gedong as the industry grows.
According to him, the project will begin with a 100-hectare algae cultivation site in Gedong before being scaled up into a 1,000-hectare commercial plantation.
“At the moment, the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government has only started planting algae in Gedong on 100 hectares. After that, it will be commercialised on about 1,000 hectares.
“We will have to identify land for algae plantations,” he said.
Naroden expressed confidence that improved road connectivity to the upper reaches of Simunjan would eventually enable algae cultivation to be extended to Native Customary Rights (NCR) land.
He added that algae could become a new economic crop for rural communities once access and infrastructure are in place.
He also noted that Sarawak is already advancing into new energy technologies, including hydrogen production in Bintulu, which he said reflects the State’s shift towards an economy based on renewable and science-driven resources.
Naroden said algae development could eventually support a wider range of industries, including bio-based products, healthcare, cosmetics and sustainable aviation fuel.
“When the roads reach the upper areas in the future, algae can also be cultivated on our land there,” he added. — DayakDaily
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