Sarawak's Biomass Resources Can Generate RM4.8 Billion In Additional GNI

KUCHING, (Sarawak, Malaysia), Oct 7 (Bernama) -- Sarawak's biomass resources can generate RM4.8 billion in additional Gross National Income (GNI) and RM18 billion in potential investment opportunities in the entire biomass value chain. Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem said the state's biomass resources was adequate to support 10 biofuel and biochemical plants for the next five years. "Based on a recent study by the state government, the sector can also create 35,000 environmentally-friendly jobs in addition to the potential RM18 billion in investment opportunities," he said before the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between South Korea's second largest petroleum refinery, GS Caltex, and Biomass Renewable Resources, Friday. The text of his speech was read, on his behalf, by Deputy Chief Minister 1 Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, who is also Minister of Modernisation of Agriculture and Rural Economy. The MoU would facilitate the carrying out of a feasibility study by GS Caltex to establish bio-butanol plants in Sarawak and to develop the state's biomass industry. Adenan said Miri, Bintulu, Tanjung Manis and Kuching were four areas identified as potential sites for the development of bio-butanol plants. "The four areas have vast oil palm biomass such as empty fruit bunches, oil palm fronds and timber harvesting residue. "We have been working closely with the National Innovation Agency of Malaysia since last year to identify realistic biomass opportunities," he said. Adenan said the development plan was in line with the National Biomass Strategy 2020 to exploit Malaysia's biomass resources and develop a diverse portfolio of downstream industries in bioenergy, biofuels and bio-based chemicals. The biomass industry can also help reduce reliance on fossil fuel and help the country weather global economic uncertainties in a sustainable manner plus reach its aim of becoming a high-income society by 2030, he added. -- BERNAMA