BY NURFARAHIN OKI
SARAWAK has attracted interests in the biomass industry sector from countries such as Singapore, China and Japan.
International Trade, Industry and Investment Minister Datuk Dr Malcolm Mussen Lamoh said these potential investors have proposed to develop biomass plants from waste to energy through conversion of agricultural wastes, such as oil palm empty fruit bunches (EFB) and kernels, woods and municipal wastes as feedback.
“The Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC) and the private sector have initiated biomass projects in Sarawak to produce wood pellets by utilising material from planted forests and these wood pellets are exported to Japan, South Korea and Europe.”
He said this in reply to a question from Christopher Gira Sambang (GPS-Tamin) during the question-and-answer session on the third day of the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting on today (May 8).
Earlier, Gira enquired about foreign interest in establishing biomass plants as another source of clean energy.
Touching on the efforts that have been taken by the Sarawak government to promote thr biomass industry, Mussen said several benchmarking visits have been conducted.
He said this included a visit to Drax Power Station in North Yorkshire, United Kingdom in April this year to gain insight into biomass energy production technologies and infrastructure.
“The Sarawak government is also exploring the technical feasibility and commercial viability to develop power generation using biomass sourced locally, converting existing coal-fired power plants with biomass and producing wood pallet.”
Mussen said there are various incentives offered by the federal government to attract investment in biomass.
“The Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) is offering Pioneer Status or Investment Tax Allowance to promote biomass industry for the Utilisation of Biomass to Produce Value-Added Products, Waste Recycling Activities and Green Technology Project.”
