KUCHING: With their abundance of biomass resources, Sarawak and Sabah are poised to become premier biomass processing hubs in the country.
Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Ahmad Maslan said apart from rich resources, the East Malaysian states have great potential to become key players in the industry, given their strategic locations, highly-skilled human capital, and supporting infrastructure.
He said the opportunities afforded by biomass processing have been clearly outlined in the Sarawak and Sabah Biomass Industry Development Plan, which was launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak in February last year.
“The Malaysia Investment Development Authority (MIDA) has approved 4,661 manufacturing projects, with investments of RM354.4 billion between 2011 and 2016.
“Sarawak emerged as the third-largest recipient, with RM47.6 billion in approved investment, mainly concentrated in basic metal products, chemicals and chemical products and natural gas.
“These three industries, collectively, constitute about 87 per cent of total investment approved for the state during the period,” said Ahmad in his welcoming remarks during the opening of the International Biomass Conference Malaysia 2017 here on Thursday.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri and Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Douglas Uggah Embas, who appeared on behalf of Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Abang Openg, were present.
Also in attendance was Agensi Inovasi Malaysia chief executive officer Naser Jaafar.
Ahmad said during the same period, MIDA approved 226 biomass projects nationwide, with investments worth RM2.92 billion – of which, 67.5 per cent were derived from domestic sources
Although the nation’s biomass sector will take time to achieve the right formulation for market competitiveness, the country, nevertheless, is on the right track in accelerating its renewable energy agenda.
“Malaysia has put in all the necessary plans, infrastructure, enablers and support systems to develop this industry,” Ahmad said.
He also urged more small and medium enterprises to explore business opportunities in the biomass sector, stressing that the industry is not exclusive to big companies.
“The green growth and sustainable development agenda for this country is inclusive.
“We have a roadmap in the National Biomass Strategy 2020, which was launched by Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Najib Razak).
“The strategy was formulated not only to promote more investments in the sector, but to develop a sustainable ecosystem that is inclusive, with global competitiveness, export market potential and diversified end uses,” he added.