MIRI: Sarawak’s culture of unity and moderation has been a key factor in maintaining peace and stability within the state, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Speaking at the Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) Miri-Sibuti Parliamentary Liaison Committee’s Chinese New Year dinner on Friday, he highlighted Sarawak’s harmonious coexistence, where diverse communities celebrate each other’s traditions.
“We don’t have big extremes. Like tonight, everyone is here. It’s Chinese New Year, but our non-Chinese friends also celebrate. Every two months, we have a festival—Chinese New Year now, Hari Raya in April, then Gawai in June…And then after that, I don’t know. After this Raya, what Raya? I said, pilihanraya (election). But I don’t know when….This is our culture, and we continue to develop it while progressing economically,” he said.
Sarawak’s economic strength has seen significant growth, with state revenue rising from RM5–6 billion to RM14.2 billion in 2024. Looking ahead to 2025, the Premier emphasised the state’s focus on balanced development while leveraging the unique strengths of each region.
Miri, he noted, has the potential to thrive in culture, tourism, and exports, particularly in palm oil. Additionally, the energy sector is set to play a transformative role, with plans for gas production by Atom and the construction of a 500-megawatt gas turbine power plant in collaboration with Mitsubishi by 2027.
“We have abundant energy resources. Methane, which contains hydrogen, can be split to generate clean energy. This technology could even replace nuclear power in the future. While uranium is scarce, Sarawak is rich in hydrogen, both from methane and water (H₂O),” he explained.
This has positioned Sarawak as a key player in global energy discussions, with the federal government granting the state sole aggregator status for gas. Collaborative efforts with Japan are also underway to produce ammonia, a critical fuel for the marine industry.
The Premier also outlined ambitious infrastructure plans under the Greater Miri Development Roadmap, starting with road upgrades from Miri to the Marudi Bridge, extending towards Long Terawan, Long Iman, and linking to the Sabah-Sarawak Link Road and the Pan Borneo Highway. These developments aim to connect Sarawak’s interior, unlocking economic potential in rural areas.
With Niah’s recent UNESCO Heritage status, Miri’s tourism sector is set to expand further. The city’s smart infrastructure projects, including the Kenyalang Smart City initiative, are expected to modernise urban living while preserving the region’s rich biodiversity.
Sarawak’s vast biodiversity, particularly in Baram, holds significant potential for medical research. The Penan community, for example, has deep knowledge of medicinal plants, offering valuable insights for the healthcare industry.
“I was entrusted by the late Tun Taib to look after the Penan. They have an incredible understanding of nature—knowing exactly which plants can counteract a snake bite. They are not doctors, but they have inherited knowledge that could be harnessed for medical advancements,” he shared.
Miri’s transformation into a smart city is already underway, with modern infrastructure and digitalisation efforts taking shape. “Smart buses are here, but if the people are not smart, it won’t work,” the Premier quipped.
Looking ahead to 2030, he envisions Miri as a key economic hub, supported by strategic investments in banking, infrastructure, and even its own airline and ports.
“We have everything—power, transport, financial institutions. Now, it is up to us to drive this vision forward,” he concluded, expressing confidence in Miri’s leadership to spearhead its future growth.
With its focus on unity, economic progress, and sustainability, Sarawak continues to chart a path of balanced development—one that honours its cultural heritage while embracing modernity.
