Bintulu Port Holdings Berhad has contributed RM802.3 million in dividends to the State Financial Secretary Sarawak and Equisar Assets Sdn Bhd, according to a company appreciation-ceremony update. The figure was announced as the port operator highlighted its operating performance and its role in Sarawak’s trade network. Biport Bulkers was reported to handle about four million tonnes of cargo a year, or roughly a quarter of Sarawak’s total exports. The company also said it was expanding cargo-handling capacity and pursuing sustainability initiatives. A Regional Halal Hub launched last July was cited as one effort to diversify trade opportunities. The dividend figure is a reported contribution, not a promise of future returns. The next practical measure for Sarawak will be whether the operator’s planned capacity expansion translates into stronger services and wider trade activity by 2030.

Sarawak’s tourism sector regained momentum in August, with 439,968 visitor arrivals—up 6.53 per cent from the same month last year—and RM1.137 billion in receipts. International arrivals rose 12.6 per cent to 275,800. But the first eight months still totalled 3,160,448 arrivals, 1.41 per cent below the same period last year, so the August rebound has not erased the earlier shortfall. Sarawak’s tourism authorities expect the final quarter to be stronger, while acknowledging that haze could cause leisure travellers to postpone trips. The more-than-four-million year-end expectation is therefore still a forecast, not a confirmed outcome. For Kuching businesses and travellers, the useful signal is a busier August alongside a season that remains sensitive to air quality and programme schedules.

Bintulu Port Sdn Bhd has been appointed the approved operator of Bintulu Port for 30 years, under a notification published in the Sarawak Government Gazette. The wholly owned Bintulu Port Holdings subsidiary’s appointment runs from Sept 1, 2026 to Aug 31, 2056. Bintulu Port Authority said the appointment was approved by the Sarawak Legislative Assembly and made under Section 12(2)(a) of the Port Authorities Ordinance 1961. The operator will continue under the terms of a Heads of Agreement until a Port Operation Concession Agreement is executed. That means the 30-year appointment is now gazetted, while the final concession document remains a separate step in the port’s operating framework. For Sarawak, the decision sets the long-term legal and operating basis for one of the state’s major ports. The next material update will be the execution of the concession agreement and its detailed conditions.

Bintulu Port has officially come under Sarawak’s control, ending its status as a federal port. The transition took effect on Sept 1 after a three-year process, with the port now operating under the jurisdiction of the Sarawak government. The change places one of the state’s key gateways for energy and bulk cargo within the state port system. The immediate message for shippers and businesses is continuity: port operations are expected to continue without disruption during the handover. The longer-term test will be how the new arrangement supports Bintulu’s role in Sarawak’s energy, industrial and export plans. For Sarawak readers, this is an administrative change with practical economic consequences rather than a change of port location or a shutdown. Companies using the port should continue to follow notices issued by Bintulu Port Holdings and the relevant state authorities as the new governance arrangements settle.

Thirty per cent of work in major Sarawak government projects will be allocated to Bumiputera firms under a policy announced by Premier Abang Johari Tun Openg. Speaking at the Malaysian Malay Contractors Association’s Sarawak meeting in Kuching on Sept 2, Abang Johari said the arrangement follows a model used by Sarawak Energy. Bumiputera contractors may also partner with non-Bumiputera companies when larger jobs require more technical capacity. At the same event, PKMM Sarawak said 60 of 61 projects in a RM200 million allocation had been awarded through a ballot managed by DAL HCM Sdn Bhd. Those contracts range from RM100,000 to several million ringgit. The RM200 million is the package cited by the association, not the announced value of all future work covered by the wider policy. The state has also provided heavy machinery to PKMM, while the Construction Industry Development Board is training local crane operators. No new application window or full tender list was announced, so firms will still need to follow the procurement notices for individual projects.

Bintulu Port will come under Sarawak management on Sept 1 after a three-year handover process. The change follows the Bintulu Port Authority (Dissolution) Act 2024 taking effect on Aug 31. The transition covered staff, assets, finances and legal matters. The completed arrangements cover the absorption of all BPA employees, the return of some assets to Sarawak and settled compensation for transferred port assets. Bintulu Port has grown from an energy-industry facility into a major trade and LNG gateway over 47 years. The handover changes its jurisdiction and administration; the reports do not announce a port closure. Sarawak's plan to integrate it with the state's other ports, along with any changes port users may see, has not yet been detailed.

Construction of the Sarawak Bioindustrial Park's Central Hub has started in Kota Samarahan, with a 24-month completion target. [image: 1786680414071-sarawak-bioindustrial-hub-20260814.jpg] Photo: The Borneo Post The wider development covers 100 acres and is intended to connect research, product development, pilot processing, manufacturing and commercialisation in one location. Its focus areas include bioactives, biohealth, biomaterials, bioenergy and environmental solutions. The Central Hub is expected to provide shared laboratories, pilot-scale processing facilities, collaborative workspaces and support for Good Manufacturing Practice-compliant production. It is managed by BioVerde Technologies Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of the Sarawak Biodiversity Centre. Why this is more than another building announcement Sarawak already has biodiversity research. The difficult part is turning a promising compound or process into a product that can be tested, manufactured consistently and sold. Shared pilot and GMP-oriented facilities could close part of that gap for researchers and smaller companies that cannot build everything themselves. Eight collaboration agreements and memoranda were exchanged at the ceremony, but the report did not publish the construction cost, confirmed tenant list, job numbers or commercial production dates. Those measurable details — together with the 24-month construction milestone — are what Kuching and Samarahan residents should track next. Location: Kota Samarahan ️ Scope: Central Hub within a 100-acre bioindustrial park Sources: The Borneo Post report · Sarawak Biodiversity Centre

Sarawak tops all Malaysian states with RM14.2 billion revenue in 2024 [image: 1786410347360-sarawak-revenue-resized.jpg] Sarawak recorded the highest state government revenue collection and largest surplus among all Malaysian states in 2024, according to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM). The State Socioeconomic Report 2025 showed Sarawak collected RM14.2 billion in state revenue — more than double Sabah's RM6.8 billion, which was the second highest. Sarawak also posted the country's largest state government surplus at RM1.5 billion, followed by Sabah at RM470.9 million, Terengganu (RM212.2 million), Selangor (RM142 million), and Johor (RM103.6 million). The report also noted Sarawak's economy grew by 3.2% in 2025, below the national GDP growth of 5.2%. Source: DOSM State Socioeconomic Report 2025 Details: Sarawak's revenue doubles Sabah's; largest state surplus in Malaysia Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?

Sarawak entrepreneurs recorded RM35 million in transactions within 30 days through WhatsApp and social media. [image: 1785643496956-digital_drive_20260802.jpg] SERIAN, Aug 2: The figure was shared by MINTRED advisor Datuk Seri Mohd Naroden Majais, who said it shows more local entrepreneurs are ready to use digital platforms to reach wider markets. He said the state government will continue strengthening digitalisation initiatives so more entrepreneurs can raise income and grow their businesses. Support for digital growth Naroden said Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC) and MINTRED have rolled out programmes to strengthen the digital economy ecosystem, including the Digital Village in Kuching as a technology showcase and reference centre for entrepreneurs. He also pointed to support under the Micro Credit Scheme, with loans of up to RM50,000 and grants of up to RM20,000 to help businesses buy laptops, software and digital system equipment. Location: Serian / Sarawak Details: Entrepreneurs were urged to use AI responsibly for promotion, packaging design, marketing content and market intelligence. Photo: Sarawak Tribune Source: Sarawak Tribune What do you think?

Sarawak’s population is now estimated at 2.54 million, but the state is still Malaysia’s least densely populated region. [image: 1785578654062-sarawak_population_20260801.jpg] Source: DayakDaily / file photo of Kuching Waterfront What changed DayakDaily reported that the latest Department of Statistics Malaysia estimate puts Sarawak at 2.54 million people in 2026, with annual growth of only 0.4%. That makes Sarawak the fifth most populous state, behind Selangor, Johor, Sabah and Perak. Why people are talking The bigger issue is density and ageing. Sarawak records only 20 people per square kilometre, the lowest in the country. The report also says residents aged 65 and above now make up 9.7% of the population, placing Sarawak second nationwide for elderly share. The median age has risen to 33.2 years, while the total fertility rate stands at 1.5 children per woman. Location: Sarawak Details: 2.54 million population, 0.4% annual growth, lowest density in Malaysia Source: DayakDaily What do you think this means for Sarawak’s future workforce?

Guro Street is now official in Kuching South, the first street in Malaysia named after a South Korean city. [image: 1785492302193-guro-street.jpg] Image source: DayakDaily / Wee Hong Seng Kuching South launched Guro Street on July 31, marking another step in the city’s long-running link with Guro District in Seoul. Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said the name reflects closer business, culture and people-to-people ties between Sarawak and South Korea. The partnership between MBKS and Guro District started in 2013. Dr Sim said Korean interest in Sarawak is growing in renewable energy, hydrogen, carbon capture and gas development. He also pointed to OCI, which has invested more than USD2 billion in Sarawak since 2019 and has its headquarters in Kuching. Also present were Guro District Mayor Jang Inhong and Kuching South Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng. Location: Kuching South Details: Malaysia’s first street named after a South Korean city Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

More US companies are looking at Sarawak for green energy, technology and high-impact industrial projects. [image: 1785233094122-us_green_energy_20260728.jpg] Photo: DayakDaily United States Embassy in Malaysia Chargé d’Affaires ad interim David Gamble said Sarawak's location in Asean, renewable energy strength, natural resources and skilled workforce are drawing investor interest. He said American companies are especially watching renewable energy projects, where US technology could support hydroelectric systems, power-grid monitoring and other high-tech solutions. Why it matters Sarawak wants to grow its green energy and industrial base. US firms are looking beyond capital investment, with training and technology transfer also part of the pitch. Sarawak's energy capacity could also support the wider Asean Power Grid plan. Gamble said the first visit is usually the hardest step for investors. Once companies have operated in Sarawak, many choose to keep expanding here. Location: Sarawak / Kuching Hot Score: 24/30 Source: DayakDaily What kind of investment should Sarawak focus on next?

Bukit Saban is being lined up as a modern agriculture hub through a CPPC, Bebuling Agropark and Bebuling Airport. [image: 1785114385186-bukit_saban_agri-resized.jpg] Image source: The Borneo Post Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the plan is meant to build a full agriculture value chain, from production to processing, packaging and marketing. He said the projects could help farmers and smallholders raise their income by linking farm output with better facilities and market access. What is planned The proposed Collection, Processing and Packaging Centre (CPPC), Bebuling Agropark and Bebuling Airport are being planned under allocations from the Betong Division Development Agency (BDDA). Uggah said the state government will also continue supporting rural livelihoods through agriculture and entrepreneurship programmes, including fertiliser aid, pepper and oil palm cultivation, and free-range livestock projects. He also urged parents to support their children in pursuing higher education, saying skilled young people will be needed for Sarawak's future development. Location: Bukit Saban, Betong Division Details: Modern agriculture hub plan; CPPC, Bebuling Agropark and Bebuling Airport; focus on farmers, smallholders and rural income. Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?

East Malaysia is taking up the expanded diesel subsidy scheme fast, with Sarawak alone recording 8,292 registered vehicles. [image: 1785060242687-diesel_skds_east_msia.jpg] Source: DayakDaily Companies in Sarawak, Sabah and Labuan have registered 18,538 jeeps and pickup trucks under the Subsidised Diesel Control System (SKDS) as of July 23. Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said East Malaysia now accounts for 67.9% of companies registered in this company-owned jeep and pickup category nationwide. What changed The SKDS expansion for Sarawak, Sabah and Labuan started on July 1. It covers three sectors: public land transport, consumer-goods land transport, and private company-owned jeeps and pickup trucks. Key numbers Sarawak recorded 4,713 companies with 8,292 vehicles. Sabah recorded 5,583 companies with 10,046 vehicles. Labuan recorded 157 companies with 200 vehicles. Nationwide, 190,012 companies involving 493,160 vehicles have registered across the three SKDS sectors. Location: Sarawak, Sabah and Labuan Details: SKDS diesel subsidy registration update as of July 23 Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Bintulu-Samalaju has been placed in a global industrial transition network, with Sarawak taking the lead convener role. [image: 1784941486766-bintulu-samalaju-tic.jpg] Deputy Minister for Energy and Environmental Sustainability Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni said the Bintulu-Samalaju Transitioning Industrial Clusters (TIC) initiative is aimed at pushing the area towards a cleaner, lower-carbon industrial economy. The initiative was formally launched in June as a federal-state partnership involving Sarawak's Ministry of Energy and Environmental Sustainability, MyDIGITAL Corporation and the World Economic Forum. What it means for Sarawak The Bintulu-Samalaju corridor is now Malaysia's first member of the World Economic Forum's TIC network. More than 25 companies are involved, with four pilot projects already identified. The initiative is projected to contribute about RM12 billion a year to GDP by 2040 and create nearly 19,000 jobs. Dr Hazland said the plan builds on Sarawak's renewable energy strength, petrochemical base and hydrogen ambitions. Location: Bintulu-Samalaju industrial corridor Details: Low-carbon industrial transition initiative, led by Sarawak as lead convener Hot Score: 25/30 Source: https://www.theborneopost.com/2026/07/25/bintulu-samalaju-joins-global-industrial-transition-network-with-sarawak-as-lead-convener-says-deputy-minister/ Photo: The Borneo Post Big industry news, but the real test is whether the jobs and spillover reach Sarawakians. What do you think?

PETROS is producing oil onshore in Sarawak again after a 50-year break. [image: 1784768760030-petros-onshore-oil.jpg] Source: DayakDaily / Sarawak Information Department (Japen) State-owned PETROS has started producing about 800 barrels of oil a day from the Adong Kechil West field near Miri. Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg announced the milestone during the Sarawak Day 2026 celebration in Sibu on July 22. He said the output is from one well, with more wells expected later. Why it matters This is Sarawak's first onshore oil production after about five decades. The State wants to process more of its own resources locally instead of only exporting raw materials. The plan ties into downstream industries such as petrochemicals, methanol, ammonia, hydrogen, fertilisers and speciality chemicals. If it grows as planned, it could mean more skilled jobs and business opportunities in Sarawak. Location: Adong Kechil West field near Miri / Sibu announcement Details: Around 800 barrels per day, or about 24,000 barrels per month, from one well for now. Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

East Malaysia's diesel subsidy mechanism is being reviewed after feedback from Sarawak, Sabah and Labuan. [image: 1784682355793-diesel-armizan.jpg] Source: DayakDaily / KPDN Corporate Communication Unit The federal government is now consulting the Sarawak and Sabah governments on how to improve the targeted diesel subsidy rollout for East Malaysia. Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said the Ministry of Finance is leading the engagement because fuel subsidy policy sits under MOF. What is being looked at Armizan said several issues came up after the targeted diesel subsidy mechanism, first introduced in Peninsular Malaysia in 2024, was extended to Sarawak, Sabah and Labuan. He said MOF has started meeting government agencies in both states to identify problems on the ground. Treasury secretary-general Johan Mahmood Merican is also expected to meet elected representatives for direct feedback from their areas. State agencies may help with registering and verifying eligible recipients, especially in places where federal agencies have limited reach. Why it matters For Sarawak, diesel is not just a city issue. It affects transport, contractors, small businesses, rural movement and daily cost of living. Armizan said any revision still has to balance three things: cost of living, subsidy leakage, and the government's fiscal position. Location: Sarawak, Sabah and Labuan Details: Federal review of targeted diesel subsidy mechanism for East Malaysia Hot Score: 25/30 Source: https://dayakdaily.com/fed-govt-reviewing-diesel-subsidy-mechanism-in-east-malaysia/ What do you think?

AirBorneo launched its Kuching–Kuala Lumpur jet service on July 20 with an RM375 all-inclusive one-way fare, positioning the state-owned airline as a price competitor on the route. [image: 1784541894083-airborneo-fare.jpg] Photo: Sarawak Information Department via DayakDaily At the launch, Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the objective was not simply to maximise profit but to put downward pressure on fares between Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia. He said competing prices had already moved after AirBorneo introduced its fare. The airline began with two jet aircraft and planned to increase that to four within four to five months. New-generation ATR aircraft were also expected from 2027 to replace older turboprops inherited through the MASwings acquisition. RM375 was a launch commitment, not a permanent price guarantee The Premier said he hoped the all-inclusive fare could remain for at least the first year, and longer if market conditions allowed. Travellers should still check the live booking page because seat availability, travel dates, optional services and future fare changes can affect the final amount. The proposed use of future ATR aircraft on routes popular with university students was an idea raised at the launch, not a published student-fare programme. No eligibility rules, routes or application process were announced in the report. For Kuching passengers, the useful measure will be more than one advertised price: how many seats are sold near that level during school holidays and festive periods, whether flight frequency improves and how the airline handles delays or schedule changes. ️ Route: Kuching–Kuala Lumpur Launch fare: RM375 all-inclusive one way, subject to live availability Sources: DayakDaily · AirBorneo official site

Mandarin is being framed as a practical trade skill for Sarawak, especially when dealing with China. [image: 1784433843339-premier-mandarin-resized.jpg] Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said Mandarin can give Sarawakians an edge in an export-oriented economy. Speaking in Kuching on Saturday night, he said Sarawak sells products such as oil palm and LNG to China, so language skills matter when dealing with pricing, delivery and negotiation. He also said Bahasa Malaysia remains the national language, while English and Mandarin are useful tools for business and international trade. The Premier also pointed to Sarawak's recognition of the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) and the state's yearly RM10 million allocation for Chinese schools. Location: Kuching Details: Mandarin, English and trade skills were highlighted as part of Sarawak's push to prepare local talent for a wider export market. Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?

Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen says red tape is still blocking some eligible commercial vehicle owners from subsidised diesel. [image: 1784336677262-chong-diesel-subsidy.jpg] He urged the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) to simplify and speed up the Budi Diesel application process, especially for eligible commercial vehicle owners. What vehicle owners are facing Chong said applicants are being asked to submit documents from Puspakom and apply to modify their commercial vehicle Body Code. After the modification, the vehicle must go through a mandatory inspection every six months before the owner can apply for a diesel subsidy card. He said the targeted subsidy policy began on July 1, 2026, but many owners who should be receiving subsidised diesel have been rejected because of the extra steps. Chong called on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to remove requirements he described as unnecessary. He also said he had raised the matter with Transport Minister Anthony Loke so it can be brought up in Cabinet. Source: The Borneo Post Source: The Borneo Post For transport operators, this one really affects daily cost. What do you think?