By Editor KB,Karen Bong

Copyright dayakdaily

By Karen Bong

BINTULU, Sept 16: Bintulu has gained recognition on the world stage as Asia’s Low-Carbon Industrial Hub, standing today as a symbol of Sarawak’s rapid transformation in green energy and digital technologies.

Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom emphasised that the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) recognition of Bintulu as one of only 36 Global Transition Industrial Clusters and the sole cluster in Asia positioned Bintulu as a benchmark for sustainable and technology-driven development in the region.

“This recognition proves that Sarawak’s commitment to green energy and eco-friendly technologies has successfully attracted global investors from Japan, Korea, and Europe,” he said when addressing the Sarawak-level Malaysia Day 2025 celebration at the Bintulu Old Airport tonight, which was streamed live on Ukas Channel.

Themed “Sarawak Maju Makmur Dalam Malaysia”, the celebration was officiated by Sarawak Governor Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, along with Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

Tracing Bintulu’s growth journey, Dr Rundi, who is also the minister-in-charge of this year’s celebration, said its transformation began with the discovery of natural gas and the growth of the liquefied natural gas (LNG) industry, which has evolved into new frontiers in green energy and digital innovation.

“Bintulu is moving forward in gas energy and advanced transportation. The construction of two 500-megawatt gas power plants will push Bintulu’s energy capacity to one gigawatt by 2035.

“In addition, hydrogen-powered Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) system is being planned under the 13th Malaysia Plan to connect Bintulu, Kidurong and Samalaju. This showcases how clean energy and advanced mobility are integrated into urban planning,” he said.

In tandem, Bintulu is also embracing digital technologies to complement its green energy drive, creating new opportunities in smart infrastructure, industry, and community development.

“These initiatives put Bintulu at the heart of Sarawak’s ambition to be a regional hub for green energy and digital transformation,” Dr Rundi said, noting that Bintulu Port Holdings Berhad (BPHB) has signed three international MoUs to accelerate this vision.

He also pointed out that the completion of the towering Bintulu-Jepak Bridge, now known as the Tun Taib Mahmud Bridge, officiated by Premier on July 23, not only improves connectivity but also unlocks new corridors for modern commercial and housing developments.

“This is the Bintulu we are proud of today, a city that is not only the economic heartbeat of Sarawak, but also a symbol of a new Malaysia built upon green energy, technology, and the unity of its people,” he stressed.

Dr Rundi reminded Sarawakians that Malaysia Day is not merely an annual festivity but a pledge of loyalty and unity.

“Sarawak is the heartbeat of Malaysia, and Malaysia will always be stronger with Sarawak. Our strength lies in unity and togetherness, and as long as Sarawak remains united, no foreign power can threaten the peace we enjoy today and in the future,” he said. — DayakDaily