Sarawak targeting more investment from China in green technology, artificial intelligence and digital economy

SHANGHAI, Aug 13 2026:  Sarawak is targeting more investment from China in the green technology, energy storage, artificial intelligence (AI) and digital economy sectors to strengthen its position as Malaysia's green energy hub,Deputy Premier Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, stressing that Sarawak-China economic relations have great potential to be further developed. 

Caption: Deputy Premier Awang Tengah Ali Hasan says Sarawak-China bilateral trade reached RM16.8 billion in 2024

He said areas with great potential include renewable energy, battery technology and energy storage systems (ESS), as well as circular economy such as waste-to-energy technology and sustainable building materials. 

"More than 70 percent of Sarawak's electricity generation comes from clean hydropower, supported by increased investment in solar energy and other renewable energy sources," he said when speaking at the Sarawak-China Strategic Investment Roundtable in Shanghai today. 

Awang Tengah added that Sarawak is also opening up opportunities for cooperation in automation, AI and robotics for the construction and manufacturing sectors, as well as developing an ecosystem of data centres and high-performance computing. 

According to him, who is also the Minister of International Trade, Industry and Investment, Sarawak-China bilateral trade  reached  RM26.8 billion in 2024, while Sarawak recorded RM116 billion in approved investments for the period 2021 to 2025. 

He said that Bintulu's recognition by the World Economic Forum last June as one of the world's 36 'Transitioning Industrial Clusters' and the only one in Southeast Asia also gave Sarawak an advantage in attracting industries that want to reduce their carbon footprint. 

"We want to move beyond discussions and translate today's conversation into concrete investments, technology transfer, stronger local partnerships and long-term mutual success," he said. 

He added that the Sarawak Government is not just looking for investments, but rather offers partnership opportunities to investors with government support throughout the investment journey, from the conceptualization stage to implementation and operations.

Firemen battling to put off forest fires in Daro enters fourth day

DARO, Aug 13 2026: Efforts by the firemen to extinguish forest fires that have spread to over 28 hectares, entered its fourth day today.

Caption: The wild fires have so far destroyed 28 hectares of forest in Daro

According to Daro Fire and Rescue Department, the fire started in a garden on August 10  before spreading to the area near Sungai Batang Lassa and also headed towards an oil station.

The department said the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) is using a drone to monitor the  spread of the fire.

The fire has so far spread to over  28 hectares.

However, the department said the firemen have succeeded to bring the forest fires under control.

The operation to extinguish the forest fires will resume tomorrow.

 Separately, firemen are battling to put off the forest fires along Jalan Kejatau-Lingga area in Sri Aman Division.

The firemen have so far managed to put off the fires over an area of 40 out of 80 hectares.

The fires started on Aug 10.

 

 

JKR technical teams and related agencies assessing the potential of former logging tracks to be upgraded

BETONG, Aug 13 2026: The Sarawak government is assessing the potential of former logging tracks to be upgraded as last mile routes to connect interior areas that still do not have good road access.

Caption: Deputy Premier Douglas Uggah says the goal of the expedition is to see the conditions of the former logging tracks

Deputy Premier Douglas Uggah Embas said the assessment is carried out by the Public Works Department (JKR) technical teams and related agencies.

According to him, the assessment  allowed the agencies to see for themselves the conditions of the logging tracks that  have the potential to be upgraded for the benefits of the residents in interior areas.

"Our goal is to see the condition of these former logging tracks which the state government has now decided to take over.

"The conditions of these tracks really need to be upgraded. So today we went down ourselves with the technical team so that we can assess what we should do about these former logging roads,” he told reporters after leading the XPDC 3.0 launch at the Tan Sri Datuk Amar Stephen Kalong Ningkan Sports Hall compound, today.

Uggah explained that the XPDC 3.0 is the third expedition carried out after the previous two expeditions to Bario and the Belaga hinterland respectively.

He said the expedition focuses on the Ulu Skrang, Ulu Entabai and Ulu Kota routes to identify the actual conditions and needs of the infrastructure in the area.

“We want to identify former logging roads that can connect unreached places with perfect roads, which previously only had stone roads and tracks,” he said.

Uggah, who is also Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) chairman, also reminded the public to take precautions following the current haze situation.

He said the public needs to avoid open burning which is an offence under the law, in addition to taking care of their health and constantly monitoring current air quality reports.

“Those who suffer from asthma are also advised to be more careful and wear face masks if they have to go outside.

“Water assistance will be targeted at existing water reservoirs and the team will issue certificates and supply water if needed.

“The public is also asked to report any fire incidents to the police, while longhouse residents are advised to always be vigilant and take appropriate safety measures,” he added.

Also present were Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development Aidil Lariwoo, Lubok Antu Member of Parliament Roy Angau Gingkoi, Engkelili Assemblyman. Johnical Rayong Ngipa and other guests