Suzuki (front seventh left) exchanges the documents with Muhamad Yakup, witnessed by Abang Johari in Tokyo. – Ukas photo

KUCHING (Dec 18): The Bintulu Development Authority (BDA) has acquired a 10 per cent equity stake in Pertama Ferroalloys Sdn Bhd.

The milestone was formalised through the signing of a share transfer memorandum of understanding (MoU) in Tokyo, Japan yesterday.

According to a report by the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas), the MoU was signed by Pertama Ferroalloys chairman and managing director Hirotaka Suzuki and BDA general manager Datu Muhamad Yakup Kari.

Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg witnessed the ceremony.

The report said this partnership builds on previous collaborations between Pertama Ferroalloys and BDA, including the Bamboo Cultivation Project launched in November 2023, which highlighted their shared commitment to sustainable practices and environmental conservation.

In his speech, Suzuki emphasised that the partnership transcends financial investment, focusing on creating societal and environmental benefits in Sarawak.

“This collaboration will foster economic growth in Bintulu, Sarawak, and Malaysia while enhancing local communities’ well-being. It also sets a benchmark for sustainable initiatives, aligning with Sarawak’s visionary Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030,” he said.

Pertama Ferroalloys Sdn Bhd operates Malaysia’s first large-scale manganese alloys and ferrosilicon smelting plant, producing and distributing manganese alloy products for the global steel industry.

The company balances sustainability with profitability, reflecting its commitment to environmental stewardship.

Among those present were 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.