Abang Johari (centre) witnesses the exchange of memorandum of understanding documents between
then Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) general manager Soedirman Aini (second right) and Foshan Feishi Automobile Manufacture Co Ltd China general manager Jiang Yong in October 2018 for the supply and delivery of hydrogen fuel-cell buses. Also seen are SEDC chairman Tan Sri Datuk Amar Abdul Aziz Husain (right) and Foshan Feishi Automobile project director Lu Yong.
38. Modernising the public transport system in Kuching
The Sarawak government is rethinking Kuching’s public transport system by introducing bus rapid transit and light rail transit (LRT) systems to cater for the future growth of the city. Apart from the proposed LRT project, hydrogen fuel cell buses are also expected to debut on the roads of Kuching this year.
(Front from third left) Abang Johari and his wife Datin Patinggi Dato Juma’ani Tuanku Bujang are seen
with religious leaders, who are members of UNIFOR, during at the Christmas open house of Anglican Bishop of Sarawak and Brunei The Rt Revd Danald Jute (front second left). From front left are Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Danald’s wife Julita Jack Sungul, and Uggah’s wife Datin Amar Doreen Mayang.
39. Strengthening UNIFOR
The Sarawak government under Abang Johari has empowered the Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR), which was established on May 27, 2017, to look after the religious affairs of non-Muslims while also promoting peace, understanding, and unity in Sarawak. UNIFOR is also empowered to recommend and formulate policies, laws, and regulations relating to the religious affairs of non-Muslims in Sarawak.
40. Venture Capital for Youth Entrepreneurs
Announced on Nov 17, 2018, the RM5 million initiative seeks to help youth entrepreneurs with creative and innovative ventures.
41. Raising the salaries of community leaders and allowance of village chiefs
The Sarawak government under Abang Johari recognises the importance and contributions of community leaders and village chiefs in the service delivery system, particularly in rural areas. As such the salaries of temenggong, pemanca, and penghulu were increased by RM100 last year, while the allowance for village chiefs was increased from RM800 to RM900.
42. RM1,000 incentive for every Sarawakian newborn
Every Sarawakian baby born from Jan 1 this year will be given a one-off incentive of RM1,000 irrespective of ethnicity, religious belief, or social status. Abang Johari said the incentive can only be withdrawn when the children turn 18 and is meant for them to further their education or as capital to pursue their careers.
43. Service Sarawak
Launched on Dec 2, 2018, it offers a One-Stop Service centre at the Urban Transformation Centres in Kuching, Sibu, and Miri.
The electric bus is part of the Sarawak government’s effort at a cleaner, greener state.
44. Ensuring clean and sustainable management of the environment
As part of the push towards a cleaner and greener Sarawak, Abang Johari has been the main driving force behind the decision to utilise hydrogen and electric buses, starting with Kuching City this year. The state’s pilot electric bus service will start with one bus, before being expanded to over 100 buses and its service extended to Sibu and Miri. The pilot project for the hydrogen fuel cell buses will begin in March this year with three buses, with free rides being considered for the public during the trial run.
45. Identifying new revenue source via carbon trading
The Sarawak government is collaborating with Shell Malaysia Ltd to explore nature conservation and restoration towards clean energy. It hopes to work with Shell on a pilot project to plant fast-growing trees towards reforestation, as well as explore the possibility of biomass energy.
46. Strengthening enforcement of forestry laws
To rid the state of illegal logging activities, the Sarawak government has improved the cooperation of enforcement agencies through the carrying out of joint operations. The Forest Department, Sarawak Forestry Corporation, State Security
and Enforcement Unit of the Chief Minister’s Office, Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and police have carried out numerous raids which resulted in arrests and major seizures. The government has also implemented the Sarawak Timber Licence Verification System (STLVS) to ensure that only certified timber and timber products can be exported. The system acts as the process of due diligence for the forest and timber industry in Sarawak to meet international trade regulations.
47. Enhancing biodiversity research
Under Abang Johari, the state entered a collaboration with
the Natural Resources Institute of Finland (LUKE) to carry out joint research and development on sustainable forestry in Sarawak. Under the collaboration, both parties will examine possibilities for research and innovation funding in sustainable forestry, integrated land management, forest carbon management and climate change. It is expected to enhance the effectiveness in sustainable forest and resources management in the state, which will help to enhance Sarawak’s reputation at international level.
Abang Johari (centre) gives his approval to the new signboard outside the DBOS office following its unveiling.
48. Establishing DBOS
The emergence of new financing options presents opportunities for Sarawak to go forth with several projects. DBOS, which commenced operations on Jan 15 last year, focuses on development projects which Sarawak is or will be involved in, such as digital economy, urban public transport, renewable energy (power generation), oil and gas industry, healthcare, modern agriculture, and infrastructure. As of Oct 23 last year, DBOS has a total deposit of RM3.448 billion, with credit facilities approved and disbursed standing at RM350 million and RM244 million respectively.
Abang Johari (third right) pens his digital signature on the monitor to symbolically launch PETROS.
49. Petroleum Sarawak Bhd (PETROS)
On March 6, 2018 Abang Johari penned his digital signature to symbolically launch Petroleum Sarawak Bhd or PETROS, in a move to assume full authority over Sarawak’s oil and gas resources. He said Sarawak will be able to exploit its natural resources of oil and gas under
the State List as per the Ninth Schedule of the Federal Constitution. The Chief Minister added that persons and companies involved in the oil and gas industry in Sarawak must henceforth have the necessary licences, permits, leases, and approvals required under either Sarawak’s Oil Mining Ordinance or the Gas Distribution Ordinance. However, he assured that the enforcement of such laws will not jeopardise the interests or investments of Petronas and other companies already involved in the oil and gas industry in Sarawak.
SCORE’s new boundary incorporating three new agencies – Urda, HDA and NRDA since October 2017.
50. New agencies under the Regional Corridor Development Authority (RECODA)
Three agencies were formed under Recoda to spearhead development in specific regions of the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) – Upper Rajang Development Agency (URDA) to develop areas in Kapit and upper Rajang, Highland Development Agency (HDA) to develop highland areas, and the Northern Region Development Agency (NRDA) to develop the northern region of Sarawak. During SCORE’s 10th anniversary celebration on Nov 17, 2018, Abang Johari said forming these agencies was in tandem with Sarawak’s development agenda to accelerate the development of physical infrastructure and amenities in these areas to modernise the rural economy. The latest initiative expands the SCORE area to 100,000 sq km or two thirds of Sarawak.