TOKYO: The Bintulu Development Authority (BDA) has acquired a 10 per cent stake in Pertama Ferroalloys Sdn Bhd through a share transfer memorandum of understanding (MoU) held here.
Pertama Ferroalloys Sdn Bhd's smelting plant, occupying a 180-hectare site in Samalaju Industrial Park in Bintulu, is the first large-scale manganese alloys and ferrosilicon plant in Malaysia.
The company produces and distributes manganese alloy products to the global steel industry while also prioritising sustainability alongside profitability. Pertama Ferroalloys is jointly owned by Asia Minerals Limited, Nippon Denko Company Limited, Shinsho Corporation, and Carbon Capital Corporation Sdn Bhd.
Pertama Ferroalloys chairman and managing director,Hirotaka Suzuki, and BDA general manager, Datuk Muhamad Yakup Kari, signed the MoU, witnessed by Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Abang Openg.
In his speech at the ceremony, Hirotaka said the partnership extends beyond financial investment as it will also positively contribute to societal and environmental well-being in Sarawak.
He anticipates support from both parties to foster economic growth not only in Bintulu but also across Sarawak and Malaysia.
"This will enhance the well-being of the local communities, and also serve as an example for organisations and leaders in driving sustainable initiatives in Sarawak, thus aligning with the post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030)," he said yesterday.
Among those present were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, Malaysian Ambassador to Japan Datuk Shahril Effendi Abd Ghany, Sarawak Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi, Sarawak Deputy Minister for International Trade, Industry and Investment Datuk Dr Malcolm Mussen Lamoh, Sarawak Deputy Minister for Energy and Environmental Sustainability Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni, Sarawak Attorney General Datuk Seri Saferi Ali, and Sarawak Financial Secretary Datuk Seri Dr Wan Lizozman Wan Omar.