BINTULU: A once coastal village has become a symbol of a new Malaysia built on green energy, technology and the unity of its people.
Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom recalled that Bintulu was at one time a small fishing village of about 500 people.
He said the town’s transformation has been remarkable, making it a strategic driver of Sarawak’s development.
“Beginning with the discovery of natural gas and investments in liquefied natural gas (LNG), Bintulu has continued to grow rapidly to this day.
“Under the leadership of the Sarawak government led by Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) and the Premier, Bintulu has advanced in line with the state and national aspirations to progress further in modern development,” he said.
He was speaking at the Sarawak-level Malaysia Day 2025 celebration at Bintulu Old Airport, officiated by Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar last night (Sept 16).
Dr Rundi, who was responsible for the state-level celebration, said the newly officiated Tun Taib Mahmud Bridge now stood proudly as a landmark, bringing communities on both sides of the Kemena River closer together.
He commended the project, noting that it had also opened new opportunities for commercial and modern housing development, becoming another milestone in Bintulu’s progress.
Dr Rundi added that Bintulu was also moving forward in gas power and advanced transportation.
“Two gas power plants are being built, each with a capacity of 500 megawatts, which will bring Bintulu’s total capacity to 1,000 megawatts by 2035.
“In addition, a hydrogen-powered Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) system is planned under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), connecting Bintulu, Kidurong and Samalaju — a reflection of how advanced transport is being integrated into urban planning,” he said.
He asserted that Bintulu had also set a new benchmark for sustainable development in the region after being recognised as Asia’s Low-Carbon Industrial Hub and one of 36 Global Transitioning Industrial Clusters.
This recognition, he said, reflected Sarawak’s commitment to green energy and environmentally friendly technology, attracting major investors from Japan, Korea and Europe.
“This is the Bintulu we are proud of,” said Dr Rundi.
