SIBU: Positioned as the heartland of the shipbuilding and ship repair industry, Sibu is set to play a pivotal role in promoting bunkering facilities, says Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He emphasised Sibu’s potential to become a hub for bunkering services, especially with the state’s initiative towards green methanol production.
“Sibu manufactures numerous ships. Now, in transitioning these ships from fuel to methanol engines, the demand for green methanol arises.
“We in Sarawak aim to produce green methanol, positioning Sibu’s ship manufacturers to serve as the hub for our port. This could become the bunkering facility for international shipping,” he said in his speech at the Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Chinese New Year celebration 2024 cum party’s 65th-anniversary dinner attended by 1,600 delegates here last night (Feb 17).
He stressed that green methanol presents a new opportunity in Sarawak’s commitment to environmental sustainability, as outlined in the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
“Sarawak has positioned itself in the new economy, with political stability being of utmost importance. We should not be divided. Instead all the leaders in GPS need to work hand in hand together, not for personal agenda but for Sarawak agenda,” he emphasised.
Also present were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Datuk Seri Sim Kui Hian, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin, Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah, Sarikei MP Datuk Seri Huang Tiong Sii, Deputy Public Health, Housing and Local Government Minister cum organising chairman Datuk Michael Tiang Ming Tee, Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng Jin Ek and others.
