January 22, 2026
World
World
TOKYO, Jan 22 — Japan has halted the restart of the world’s largest nuclear power plant just hours after it began, though the reactor remains “stable,” the operator said.
BINTULU, July 24 — A spectacular fireworks display lit up the skies above the Bintulu-Jepak bridge last night as it was officially renamed the Tun Taib Mahmud Bridge by Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg.
The 1.2km bridge across Batang Kemena, built at a cost of RM466 million, serves as a tribute to the late Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, former Sarawak governor and chief minister.
Abang Johari said the renaming recognises Taib’s visionary leadership, particularly his role in establishing the Regional Corridor Development Authority (Recoda) and laying the groundwork for Samalaju’s growth.
“I’m merely continuing the legacy of past leaders. Tun Taib was instrumental in founding Recoda, developing Samalaju, and attracting investors. He would have been proud to see this bridge today,” the Premier said.
He also recalled a 2017 town hall meeting following the passing of Pehin Sri Adenan Satem, where he made three promises to Bintulu residents: to build a landmark bridge connecting Bintulu and Jepak, to launch a second development wave in Bintulu, and to relocate the Resident’s Office and administrative centre to Jepak.
“Tonight, those promises are fulfilled,” he declared.
Abang Johari also announced the construction of a new four-lane road connecting the bridge to Bintulu Airport, paving the way for urban expansion including new residential areas, commercial hubs, and affordable housing.
He revealed that Jepak will be the next area to benefit from piped gas infrastructure, phasing out gas cylinders and enabling direct supply through Sarawak’s energy company, Petros.
Earlier in the day, he officiated the launch of piped gas supply to homes in the Sungai Plan housing area.
“Just as Peninsular Malaysia has pipelines from Terengganu, Sarawak has its own gas reserves, which is why we established Petros — to modernise our energy infrastructure,” he said.
Bintulu is also boosting its power generation, with a new 500-megawatt gas plant under development. Combined with existing and upcoming plants, the town will soon have a capacity of 1.5 gigawatts.
The Premier also highlighted Samalaju’s rapid industrial progress, where over 10,000 people are employed. He cited the recent launch of a polysilicon plant by OCI and Tokuyama, which will need 200 engineers — with priority given to Sarawakian graduates.
“As our economy grows, so must our income levels. We must ensure our youth are equipped to take on high-paying roles,” he said, stressing that education is key to breaking the poverty cycle.
To support this, Abang Johari announced that starting 2026, the Sarawak government will offer free university education to Sarawakians, especially in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.
“When investors come in, we must also enhance our facilities — including international schools and high-income job opportunities,” he added.
Looking ahead, he said Bintulu will undergo further development under the 13th Malaysia Plan, including the introduction of an Autonomous Rail Transit (ART) system connecting the town to Samalaju. This will further position Bintulu as a clean, green, and modern city.
“Kuching is already ranked among the world’s 10 cleanest cities. Bintulu will follow — as a low-carbon, eco-friendly city,” he said.
He also noted that the World Economic Forum has named Bintulu one of 36 global Transition Industrial Clusters — and the only one in Asia — due to its commitment to sustainable industrial growth.
“With free education producing homegrown talent, we’ll continue building Sarawak with our own people,” he said, reaffirming the government’s goal to boost revenue and channel it into inclusive, strategic development. — The Borneo Post
