KUCHING (Dec 18): The Bintulu Development Authority (BDA) has reached a significant milestone by acquiring a 10 per cent equity stake in Pertama Ferroalloys Sdn Bhd. This strategic move was formalised during a signing ceremony in Tokyo, Japan, yesterday.
The event, organised by the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas), saw Pertama Ferroalloys chairman and managing director Hirotaka Suzuki and BDA general manager Datu Muhamad Yakup Kari sign the memorandum of understanding (MoU). Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg witnessed the historic occasion.
This acquisition strengthens the collaboration between BDA and Pertama Ferroalloys, which began with initiatives such as the Bamboo Cultivation Project launched in November 2023. Both entities share a vision for promoting sustainable practices and environmental conservation in Sarawak.
In his address, Hirotaka Suzuki highlighted the partnership’s broader impact. “This collaboration transcends financial investment by focusing on societal and environmental benefits for Sarawak. It is a step towards fostering economic growth in Bintulu and improving the well-being of local communities. Additionally, it supports Sarawak’s Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, setting a benchmark for sustainability.”
Pertama Ferroalloys operates Malaysia’s first large-scale manganese alloys and ferrosilicon smelting plant, catering to the global steel industry. The company is renowned for balancing profitability with environmental stewardship.
The ceremony was attended by other distinguished figures, including Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, Malaysian ambassador to Japan Datuk Shahril Effendi Abd Ghany, Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi, and Sarawak Attorney General Dato Sri Saferi Ali.
This partnership marks another step in Sarawak’s journey towards sustainable industrial growth while enhancing its global presence in the steel industry.