MIRI: Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg has denied viral social media claims alleging that Sarawak requested 1,000 Bangladeshi nationals to work at PETROS, asserting that the matter was never discussed.

He explained that a previous meeting with the High Commissioner of Bangladesh was intended to strengthen bilateral relations between Sarawak and Bangladesh, rather than involving the recruitment of labour as claimed.

“Bangladesh stated they could also provide manpower if required.

“But on social media, it is claimed that Sarawak has already requested 1,000 Bangladeshi nationals to work with PETROS.

“This was never discussed. Also being circulated is a letter purportedly from the Labour Department. This did not happen.

“These parties are trying to twist the facts. Understandably, the 'drums will soon be sounding' [in reference to the upcoming election],” he explained.

He said this during the Leaders' Dinner with Community Leaders and Village Chiefs in conjunction with the 2026 Miri Division Sarawakku Sayang (SKS) Programme here on Friday.

Previously, the Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration, and Project Monitoring), Datuk Gerawat Gala, also denied the authenticity of the viral letter related to the allegations.

He emphasised that the letter was not issued by the Sarawak Labour Department (JTK) and that no application had been made by PETROS regarding the recruitment of workers from Bangladesh.

In other developments, the Sarawak Premier informed that the implementation of the Miri Port project has now reached approximately 70 per cent completion.

According to him, the port development, which was planned four years ago, is set to stimulate economic growth and transform Miri’s developmental landscape, including in the tourism sector.

“At present, this port is about 70 per cent complete. We are using scientific knowledge to develop this port.

“Upon its completion, we will also be able to promote Miri from a tourism perspective. Cruise ships, such as those from Singapore, can use this route, and this will boost Miri as a tourist destination,” he added.

In the meantime, he reiterated the importance of managing the state’s economic resources prudently and based on added value to guarantee the wellbeing of the people.

“Rich natural resources do not guarantee a nation's future. Look at what has happened in Africa; two countries in Africa that are rich in oil remain poor to this day because of ethnic conflict within those countries. We see Sudan and Nigeria have resources but are not developed.

“Therefore, we must manage resources well and with added value. We develop the economy and our own people,” he remarked.

Also present were Sarawak Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, and Datuk Amar Prof Dr Sim Kui Hian, Speaker of the Sarawak Legislative Assembly Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar, Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Sarawak Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing, and Local Government Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil, Deputy Ministers, Heads of Departments, and other guests. -UKASnews

Translator: Ryan Lim