Bintulu: Sarawak will roll out four pilot projects this year under the Bintulu Transitioning Industrial Cluster (TIC) initiative to accelerate industrial decarbonisation, strengthen competitiveness, and position the state as a leader in low-carbon industrial development in Asia. Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg announced the projects, highlighting their focus on smart manufacturing operations, a Sarawak carbon capture, utilisation and hydrogen (CCU-H2) hub, industrial symbiosis, and Bintulu TIC talent development. These projects aim to support the transition towards a more sustainable and technology-driven industrial ecosystem.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the TIC serves as a coordinated platform that unites industry players, government agencies, technology partners, and financiers under a common framework to drive industrial transformation across the Bintulu-Samalaju corridor. Abang Johari emphasized that decarbonising industries through the TIC initiative will be essential in maintaining Sarawak's net-negative position, creating new opportunities for investment, industrial growth, and long-term economic resilience.
Abang Johari detailed the first pilot project, smart manufacturing operations, which will leverage digital technologies, connectivity, and data-driven optimisation. The Sarawak CCU-H2 hub will explore pathways for large-scale carbon utilisation and hydrogen production. The industrial symbiosis initiative aims to facilitate resource sharing, waste stream utilisation, and improved efficiency through a more circular industrial ecosystem. Meanwhile, the Bintulu TIC talent initiative will focus on upskilling and reskilling workers for emerging low-carbon industries.
The Premier also mentioned that Sarawak prioritises the Bintulu-Samalaju rail alignment as the first phase of its rail development programme to support the state's industrial transformation agenda. Once completed, this rail alignment will integrate Bintulu Port, Kidurong Industrial Estate, and Samalaju Industrial Park into a more cohesive industrial and logistics corridor.
Abang Johari stated that the next phase of industrial growth would be shaped by integrated ecosystems linking energy, industry, technology, infrastructure, and talent, moving away from individual industrial facilities operating in isolation. He aims to position Bintulu as a pioneer in the next industrial era, leveraging its strategic location, energy resources, industrial scale, and growth potential.
He expressed confidence that developing an integrated industrial ecosystem will attract global partnerships, support Sarawak's energy transition, and enhance Malaysia's long-term economic competitiveness. If successful, Bintulu will not only contribute to Sarawak's future but also influence industrial development in Malaysia, ASEAN, and beyond.