KUCHING: Sarawak has the potential to transform recycled aluminum into new products tailored to industry needs, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said that Sarawak has the advantages in aluminum production, particularly in power availability and recycling capabilities.
“There are two key elements in aluminum production—heat and recycling. Sarawak has the advantage of abundant power supply, and with the right technology, aluminum waste can be melted and reshaped into new products,” he said.
He explained that once aluminum panels reach the end of their lifespan, they can be melted and remolded using advanced 3D design technology to create specialised products, including aircraft parts.
Abang Johari said this during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Bintulu Development Authority (BDA) and Press Metal Aluminium Holdings Berhad at Raia Convention Centre here on Thursday.
He highlighted Press Metal’s contribution to manufacturing solar panel frames, which play a crucial role in sustainable energy solutions.
“In this particular case, I was informed that you are manufacturing a solar panel. It is all the frame of the panel. The panel is just the middle part. But then, as you know, the frame is a frame of aluminum. And solar is not only for the solar panel floating.
“It also can be used as a building material, depending on the quality of the solar, quality of the frame. Because in the context of Green Building Index, GBI, if you construct a building based on the modern approach, that is BIM, the Building Information Modeling, you have a 3D measurement there. And once you do the building based on BIM, then you can position.
“The architect will know how to position where you can save energy and also to use solar energy. It can be on the roof, it can be on the wall, and the panel itself can be a decorative panel. What is important is the frame,” he said.
Commending Press Metal’s success, Abang Johari emphasised the vast potential of Sarawak’s aluminum sector.
“With advancements in 3D design and modelling, we can shape aluminum into various forms for specialised applications, opening up new business opportunities beyond just solar panel frames,” he added.
At the event, he also said that BDA has officially agreed to invest 20 per cent in the aluminum sector and its downstream industries to strengthen efforts toward developing a more sustainable industry.
