Friendly faces: Anwar meeting with Schoof on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. — Bernama
DAVOS: Australia’s global metal mining company Fortescue has agreed to invest in green hydrogen alternative energy in Bintulu, Sarawak, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said the agreement was reached through a meeting with the company’s leadership team led by executive chairman and founder Andrew Forrest AO on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Summit 2025 here.
“The Sarawak government has agreed in principle and I have guaranteed several incentives and support so that Bintulu will become a hub,” he said at the closing press conference in conjunction with his working visit to WEF 2025.
On Tuesday, Anwar led a Malaysian delegation to attend face-to-face business meetings organised by the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry with corporate leaders representing Fortescue, AstraZeneca, DP World, Medtronics, Nestle and Google.
Anwar said through meetings with companies investing in Malaysia, the large port company from Dubai, DP World, which comes into Sepanggar, Sabah, has received the support of the Federal Government.
“Sabah will have a relatively large port in the region when DP World comes in. The Federal Government has informed Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and the state government to provide full support and cooperation,” he said.
In addition, the Prime Minister said Google would continue implementing major programmes in Malaysia, namely data centres that would benefit Peninsular Malaysia, particularly Johor, Penang and Perak.
He said issues related to artificial intelligence, including in the fields of medicine and education were also discussed in the meetings with global companies.
On another matter, Anwar said Asean region’s great potential was his main message at the WEF, adding that as the regional grouping’s chair for the year, Malaysia has highlighted the region’s special features including in the field of economy and trade.
“It trades intra (Asean) and is also a trading force with the United States, China, Europe and BRICS.
“With nearly 700 million people, the fastest economic growth and a peaceful region, Asean has great potential,” he said at the closing press conference in conjunction with his working visit to WEF 2025, Bernama reported.
He said apart from trade and economic potential, Asean also wants to focus on energy transition issues, education, food technology, connectivity and digital.
Anwar attended the summit at the invitation of WEF founder and chairman of the board of trustees, Prof Klaus Schwab – his first since assuming office in 2022.
“We are grateful that as it is the first time I attended as Prime Minister, I think the treatment and recognition of (WEF) for the country is very good.”
Among the leaders Anwar met on the sidelines of the WEF were Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof and Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
