Julaihi (second right) hands over the mock cheque to Prof Dr Ahmad (second left), witnessed by Raja Zarith Sofiah (middle) and others. — Photo from JTS

KUCHING (Oct 20): The Sarawak government has contributed RM5 million to Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) for research and development (R&D) purposes.

Ministry of Natural Resources and Urban Development permanent secretary Datu Abdullah Julaihi symbolically handed over the cheque to UTM vice chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Ahmad Fauzi Ismail during the UTM Royal Gala dinner at a hotel in Putrajaya on Saturday.

Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia, who is also UTM chancellor, witnessed the event together with UTM pro chancellor Che Puan Mahkota Khaleeda Johor.

According to a press release from the Land and Survey Department (JTS), the R&D is related to green economy, mining, geospatial, remote sensing, marine cadastre, climate change, urban and regional planning, disaster management, membrane technology and other related sectors.

These would be conducted under the JTS-UTM Satellite Laboratory collaboration programme.

“All these studies are specific to Sarawak and are expected to provide the best input in realising the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030.

“The UTM vice chancellor expressed his immense gratitude to the Sarawak government for the contribution and praised the Sarawak government for always being at the forefront in utilising the latest technology for sustainable physical and economic development,” it said.

Meanwhile, the dinner was held as appreciation to those who have contributed funds to UTM, which collected RM6.4 million this year.