Sarawak eyeing a share of US$4.3 trillion global bioproducts market

KOTA SAMARAHAN,  Aug 13 2026:  Sarawak wants a share of the global bioproducts market worth around US$4.3 trillion  with a huge opportunity to attract investment and expand the commercialisation of the state's biodiversity-based products, Premier Abang Johari Openg said today, stressing that the demand for bioproducts, especially health-related products, shows great potential for Sarawak to explore.

Caption: Premier Abang Johari Openg says  Sarawak has biodiversity resources that can be utilised in a planned manner to attract investors to collaborate with the Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (SBC).

"From Fortune Insight, the business based on bioproducts is around US$4.3 trillion. This means there is an increase and demand in the market for health products," he said.

He was speaking to reporters after the 'Foundation Laying & Exchange of Agreements ceremony for Sarawak Bioindustrial Park (SBP)' in Kota Samarahan today.

According to him, Sarawak has biodiversity resources that can be utilised in a planned manner to attract investors to collaborate with the Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (SBC).

He said the development of the bioindustrial area could be expanded to provide space for investors to collaborate with SBC, especially in developing products that have been produced through research.

“We can develop it so that investors can work with SBC,” he said.

According to the premier, SBC has various products that have the potential to be commercialized and traded, thus opening up opportunities for Sarawak to increase its participation in the global bioproduct market.

He said that the approach of attracting investors to work directly with local research institutions is important to ensure that the potential of biodiversity-based products can be developed according to market needs.

He said that this opportunity must be harnessed by taking a planned approach in the use of Sarawak’s biodiversity resources, especially to meet the increasing demand for health-related products.-EDISI UKAS

Abang Johari said Sarawak will continue to invest in research and development (R&D) to strengthen scientific capabilities and commercialise biodiversity wealth as a driver of the state's new economy.

He said continued investment in research is important to enable Sarawak to explore its own biodiversity resources and produce high-value products that meet market needs.

"I will invest in research. I will invest the proceeds we have back into research and let us become players in the new economy," he said.

According to him., Sarawak's biodiversity wealth, especially forest resources and plants with medicinal potential, needs to be explored through a scientific approach before being translated into products that benefit the community.

He said SBP will play an important role as a link between research conducted at the Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (SBC) with industrial applications and commercial production of products.

"Research can be done at SBC. From the research results, it must be applied to industrial products and this park is a place to focus on the application of the technology we obtain," he said.

He said the approach would enable Sarawak's biodiversity resources to be given added value through science and technology, thus opening up space for the state to become a strategic bioeconomic hub in the region.

Meanwhile, the Sarawak Premier said that artificial intelligence (AI) technology and DNA data could be used as a catalyst for biodiversity research, including in efforts to identify compounds that have the potential to be developed into health products.

According to him, the development of the global biotechnology industry also opened up a wide space for Sarawak to contribute in the sector by taking advantage of the advantages of its natural resources.

He added that Sarawak needed more scientists who could conduct research on local plants and resources and produce solutions that meet the needs of the community.

He said that the development of scientific capacity was very important as Sarawak transitioned from a conventional economy to a new economy that was also affected by climate change.

Meanwhile, the development of the SBP Main Hub on an area of ​​100 acres is scheduled to be completed within 24 months, with facilities including research laboratories, pilot-scale processing facilities, collaboration spaces and manufacturing support that complies with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).

The facility will help bridge the gap between scientific discovery and market readiness, including enabling researchers, start-ups and industry players to test technologies, scale up production and meet regulatory requirements.

The ceremony also saw the exchange of eight collaboration agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) between BioVerde Technologies Sdn Bhd and the corporate sector covering the fields of pharmaceuticals, waste bioconversion, functional foods, cell and gene therapy, regenerative medicine, sago-based products as well as certification services and technical support.

Also present were the Deputy Premier Dr Sim Hui Kian, Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Roland Sagah Wee Inn, Minister of Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Deputy Speaker of the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly Idris Buang and other dignitaries. 

Be mindful of the construction works along Jalan Tun Jugah, Sarawak Metro reminds road-users

KUCHING, Aug 12 2026: Construction works for the Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS) project along Jalan Tun Jugah are currently underway and set to intensify in stages until the end of the year.

Caption: The affected section of Jalan Tun Jugah

Sarawak Metro Sdn Bhd (Sarawak Metro), the implementer, maintainer and operator of the KUTS project, reminds road users to be mindful of these construction works and to plan their journey accordingly.

The ongoing works include the construction of the elevated guideway for the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) vehicles, comprising piers, pier caps and guideway beams, as well as the construction of the ART station near the Simpang Tiga roundabout.

Several sections of the road have been partially closed to facilitate the operation of heavy machinery and ongoing construction works, particularly from the Jalan Tun Jugah–Jalan Laksamana Cheng Ho–Jalan Song intersection to the Simpang Tiga roundabout.

Consequently, road users should expect heavier traffic congestion in the affected areas during the construction period.

Sarawak Metro urges all road users to exercise caution, adhere to all traffic management measures, follow road signage and observe the designated speed limits when travelling through the construction zone.

Members of the public are also encouraged to use alternative routes to get to their destination.

Sarawak Metro will continue to issue public announcements from time to time to keep road users informed of any road diversions, lane closures and traffic management measures related to the ongoing construction works.

For further enquiries, members of the public may contact the KUTS Hotline at 1300-88-5887 (Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., except on public holidays) or email to 555999@sarawak.gov.my or info@mysarawakmetro.com

107 schools in Serian Division ordered to close temporarily as API readings registered very unhealthy level

KUCHING, Aug 12 2026:  A total of 107 schools in Serian Division have been
ordered to close temporarily following Air Pollution Index (API) readings exceeding 200, which is in the very unhealthy category.

Caption:  Deputy Premier Douglas Uggah says Home Teaching and Learning (PdPR) will continue throughout the closure period to ensure that the continuity of students' learning is not affected 

Deputy Premier and chairman of the Sarawak State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) Douglas Uggah Embas said the closures were implemented as a preventive measure to protect the safety, health and well-being of students and school staff due to the worsening haze conditions.

According to him, based on the National Haze Action Plan, schools, kindergartens and nurseries will be closed immediately when the API reading reaches 200, under the jurisdiction of the director of the Sarawak State Education Department.

"Following the API reading of over 200 in Serian Division, 108 schools in the area have been temporarily closed as a precautionary measure to protect safety, health and well-being.

"Home Teaching and Learning (PdPR) will continue throughout the closure period to ensure that the continuity of students' learning is not affected," he said in a media statement today.

Uggah added that two areas in Sarawak recorded API readings in the very unhealthy category (API 201 to 300), namely Tebedu (212) and Serian (202) as of 4pm today.

A total of 11 areas are in the unhealthy category (API 101 to 200), namely Kuching, Samarahan, Sri Aman, Sarikei, Sibu, Bintulu, Samalaju, Miri, Lundu, Lubok Antu and Lawas.

Five other areas are in the Moderate category (API 51 to 100), namely Mukah, Kapit, ILP Miri, Limbang and Bario.

No area recorded API readings in the Good category, which is below 50, and Dangerous, which is above 300.

He said, the Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) report for the period 1 to 11 August 2026 recorded 75 hotspots in Sarawak, compared to 3,853 hotspots detected in Kalimantan, Indonesia during the same period.

He explained that the current situation is also influenced by the Southwest Monsoon phase which began on 14 May 2026 and is expected to end in September 2026, with winds blowing consistently from the southwest.

“This situation has the potential to cause possible transboundary haze and deterioration of ambient air quality in the Sarawak region.

“Sarawak is likely to continue to experience haze in the next few days if biomass burning increases outside Sarawak’s borders,” he said.

Uggah said SDMC together with relevant agencies would continue to monitor developments in air quality, weather conditions, hotspots and fire incidents throughout Sarawak.

He also advised the public to reduce outdoor activities, especially when air quality readings were at Unhealthy levels or higher.

"High-risk groups including children, the elderly, pregnant women and individuals with respiratory or heart problems are advised to limit exposure to polluted air.

"The public is also advised to avoid strenuous physical activities and outdoor sports if the haze conditions worsen and to use appropriate face masks if necessary to be outside," he explained.

Meanwhile, the Sarawak Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) reminds the public not to engage in open burning which can cause air pollution, especially during the summer.

Those convicted of engaging in open burning can be charged under Section 30(1)(a) and Section 30(2) of the Natural Resources and Environment Ordinance (Cap. 84 – Laws of Sarawak, Ed. 1958) and can be fined not exceeding RM100,000 or imprisoned for five years or both.

The public's cooperation is also required to extinguish small fires and report cases of open burning to the nearest NREB Office or the NREB Hotline at 082-447488 or 082-319500.

 

 

Serian joins neighbour Tebedu reaching very unhealthy air quality levels

KUCHING, Aug 12 2026: Serian has joined neighbour Tebedu to reach the very unhealthy air quality levels, with Air Pollutant Index (API) readings of over 200 as at 4pm today.

The API reading for Serian was just 201, a jump from 199 at 8am this morning.

According to the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB), the API reading for Tebedu has jumped to 214,compared to 212 this morning.

The API readings, categorised as unhealthy, are for Samarahan (178), Kuching (177), Lubok Antu (165), Sarikei (160, Bintulu (153), Miri (151),Sibu (124), Lundu (111), Samalaju (110) and Lawas (102).

The API readings for Mukah (97), ILP MIri (92), Limbang (78) and Bario (64) as moderate.

Unnderstanding API Ranges

Good (0–50): Clean air with no adverse effect on health.
Moderate (51–101): Acceptable air quality, though sensitive individuals might experience minor issues.
Unhealthy (101–200): Air quality starts affecting health; sensitive groups (children, elderly, and those with heart/lung disease) should reduce outdoor activities.
Very Unhealthy (201–300): Health warnings for the general public; everyone should limit physical exertion outdoors.
Hazardous (301+): Emergency health conditions declared

 

Be courageous to accept reprimands to ensure weaknesses in organisations are improved, says premier

KUCHING, Aug 12 2026:  Leaders at all levels need to be courageous in accepting reprimands and ensuring that weaknesses in the organisation are improved, rather than hidden for reasons of loyalty to the organisation.

Caption: Premier Abang Johari Openg says loyalty to the organisation does not mean hiding weaknesses

Premier Abang Johari Openg said that leadership with integrity demands openness, professionalism and accountability in every aspect of administration.

"Leaders need to create a work environment that encourages responsible and fact-based views, criticism and reporting.

"Loyalty to the organisation does not mean hiding weaknesses, but rather the courage to uphold the truth, improve weaknesses and strengthen the service delivery system for the benefit of the people," he said in his keynote address at the Sarawak Integrity Day 2026 (HIS 2026) at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) today.

According to him, heads of departments are not only responsible for ensuring that policies and regulations are adhered to, but also need to be role models in every decision, use of power and management of the trust given.

"Integrity needs to start from leadership so that it becomes a culture practiced by all members of the organisation," he said.

He said every leader needs to ensure that administrative matters are carried out fairly, transparently and responsibly, while any weaknesses need to be addressed with effective corrective action and continuous monitoring.

He said this approach is important to ensure that the people's confidence in the public service continues to be strengthened, especially in the Sarawak Government's efforts to achieve development aspirations through the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030).

Abang Johari said that an administration with integrity does not mean that an organization never makes mistakes, but rather that it is able to admit weaknesses, accept criticism and take action to improve.

He said that feedback and criticism from the people should be seen as an opportunity to improve the service delivery system and not something to be avoided.

"An administration with integrity is not an administration that never makes mistakes, but an administration that is willing to accept criticism, act transparently and continuously improve," he said.

The premier said that the same principles also need to be applied among all civil servants so that an open, responsible and solution-oriented work culture can be strengthened.

He said that the ultimate goal is to ensure that the people receive fast, fair, quality and reliable services, thus increasing confidence in public institutions.