KUCHING: Sarawak is looking to strengthen ties with Australia’s Northern Territory through collaboration in tropical health and the oil and gas sector.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian received a courtesy visit from a delegation led by Minister for Trade, Business and Asian Relations Robyn Cahill who also holds the portfolio for International Education, Migration and Population.
In his Facebook post, Dr Sim noted that both Sarawak and Northern Territory share several similarities, including vast land areas and relatively small populations.
“Sarawak, within the Federation of Malaysia, has immigration autonomy, our IC begins with a ‘K’ while the Northern Territory, although lacking immigration autonomy within the Commonwealth of Australia, enjoys autonomy over health, education, its own police force, and fire and rescue department,” he said.
During the meeting, Dr Sim and Cahill held fruitful discussions on strengthening bilateral ties and exploring areas of mutual interest.
The Australian delegation also paid a visit to state-owned oil and gas company PETROS, where they were received by its chairman Tan Sri Hamid Bugo.
The discussion centred on oil and gas cooperation, solar energy, and off-grid energy solutions for remote and rural communities.
Cahill expressed optimism about potential partnerships in health, particularly tropical medicine, and in the broader energy sector.
“There are meaningful opportunities for Sarawak and the Northern Territory to collaborate in these key areas,” she said.
For the record, Australia’s Northern Territory spans 1,347,791 square kilometres with a population of around 249,345 and is represented by 25 members in its legislative assembly, serving four-year terms.
In comparison, Sarawak covers 124,450 square kilometres, has a population of approximately 2.9 million, and 82 assembly members serving five-year terms.
