BINTULU: This industrial town is expected to experience rapid development that will bring various types of infrastructure to the area in the next five years.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the state government wants to expand the Samalaju Industrial Park (SIP) to attract more investment to Sarawak, especially in Bintulu.
He added that various types of infrastructure would be provided including increasing the electricity supply capacity to 1,500 megawatts in 2028 to help the expansion process of the industrial park.
“Electricity will be increased up to 1,000 megawatts by generating a combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) to be commissioned in 2028.
“The first phase is 1,000 megawatts. The second phase will also be commissioned in 2028 with an additional 500 megawatts. This means that Bintulu will generate 1,500 megawatts of electricity,” he said at the Bintulu Development Authority (BDA) Aidilfitri gathering at Naim Paragon Street Mall here today (Wednesday).
Abang Johari noted that his vision of a modern Bintulu is rapidly materialising as construction progresses on the Bintulu-Jepak cable-stayed bridge, set to span the Kuala Kemena River, likening the bridge’s design to the iconic beauty of San Francisco’s architectural marvels.
He remarked on the city’s evolving infrastructure, saying, “Bintulu will continue to develop with state-of-the-art facilities.”
Amidst these developments, Abang Johari asserted that he plans to explore innovative energy solutions in Bintulu.
Departing from conventional sources like solar and biogas, he emphasised Sarawak’s endeavour to harness the power of ocean waves.
Describing the concept of kinetic energy derived from wave motion, he outlined plans to implement wave-powered generators off the coast of Samalaju.
“With an existing jetty extending approximately 3.5 kilometres into the sea, the proposed power generation system will tap into the rhythmic movement of sea waves.
“This is something new. If successful, Bintulu will be the first and only place in the world to utilise waves to generate electricity,” he added.
In addition to wave energy, the Premier noted that Sarawak wants to leverage gravitational principles for electricity generation through an elevated tank concept.
With abundant water resources in Sarawak, he said this innovative approach seeks to harness gravity’s force to generate electricity.
In another development, he said the Federal government is expected to repeal the Bintulu Port Act after next June.
According to him, the repeal of the law allows the port to be handed back to Sarawak after being operated by the Federal government for 43 years.
“I have plans for Bintulu Port but I can’t elaborate for now. Insya-Allah, once Bintulu Port is taken over, it will be the most important thing in the Asian region,” he said.
