By Editor KB,Karen Bong
Copyright dayakdaily
By Karen Bong
BINTULU, Sept 16: From a humble fishing village, Bintulu has transformed into a global energy powerhouse and a symbol of Sarawak’s success, serving as the heartbeat of Malaysia’s energy industry and a key driver of national development.
With its strengths in energy, industry, trade, and modern infrastructure, Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg stressed that Bintulu will continue to be an essential engine of the nation’s growth.
Tracing the town’s rapid development since the late 1970s when oil and gas exploration began, he noted that the discovery of hydrocarbons has reshaped Bintulu, propelling it into prominence with the establishment of Malaysia’s largest liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant, which placed the country among the world’s top LNG producers while ensuring national energy security.
“From a modest town, Bintulu has risen to be the heartbeat of the nation’s energy industry and a source of pride for Sarawak,” he declared at the Sarawak-level Malaysia Day 2025 celebration at Bintulu Old Airport tonight, which was streamed live via Ukas Channel.
The celebration, themed “Sarawak Maju Makmur Dalam Malaysia”, was officiated by Sarawak Governor Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi.
He added that Samalaju Industrial Park under the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) further strengthened its industrial base by attracting energy-intensive industries such as aluminium, ferroalloy and silicon production.
“Today, Samalaju not only serves as a key pillar of Sarawak’s industrialisation but also contributes significantly to national exports and the creation of high-value jobs,” he said.
Abang Johari also highlighted Bintulu’s growing role in clean energy innovation through the Sarawak Hydrogen Hub project, which will produce green hydrogen for domestic use and export.
“At the same time, Bintulu’s petrochemical industry continues to be strengthened through the development of methanol plants and gas-based downstream projects,” he said, pointing to the State’s RM7 billion methanol plant at Tanjung Kidurong, which has already made history by exporting Sarawak’s first methanol cargo to China earlier this year.
Within eight months, 500,000 metric tonnes of methanol have been exported to countries including Indonesia, Taiwan, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines and Peninsular Malaysia.
He also expressed pride that Bintulu was chosen as Malaysia’s first site for the World Economic Forum’s Transitioning Industrial Cluster (TIC), placing Sarawak among global leaders in low-carbon and sustainable technology development.
On infrastructure, Abang Johari said the takeover of Bintulu Port Authority allows for comprehensive development planning, making the port not only Malaysia’s main LNG export gateway but also an ASEAN trade hub.
“The Tun Taib Mahmud Bridge, connecting the town to Jepak across Sungai Kemena, will further enhance mobility and stimulate economic growth.
“Bintulu is not only a gateway for LNG but also a hub of trade, logistics and transportation, well-positioned to support Sarawak’s future growth,” he said.
Abang Johari reaffirmed that with federal support, private investments and international partnerships, Bintulu will continue driving Sarawak’s goal of becoming a developed, high-income region by 2030.
“Bintulu is a symbol of Sarawak’s success as a driver of national development. With its strengths, we are confident it will remain a central force in Malaysia’s growth story,” he concluded. — DayakDaily
