Sarawak commits to renewable energy leadership, seeks international collaboration
BANGKOK: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has underscored Sarawak’s commitment to harnessing and maximising its renewable energy resources through international collaboration and technological learning. Stating how Sarawak is blessed with natural resources that can generate renewable energy, he said the Sarawak government is actively seeking solutions through the latest technology to add value to these resources. “The whole world is looking at us (Sarawak) because we have the vision, and we want to translate our vision into action. “What is important now is the execution action. If you have the vision, but you do not execute it, it remains just a vision.” Abang Johari made these remarks during a press conference after delivering his keynote address at the Future Energy Asia Strategic Summit 2024. He said Sarawak’s push for green economy is in line with global transition from coal and fossil fuel to clean and renewable energy. He added that Sarawak can manage its economy sustainably while incorporating the latest technologies by prioritising clean energy. “Sarawak’s energy generation mix comprises 70 per cent hydropower and supplemented by a small percentage of natural gas and coal which is slated for phase-out. “This actually places Sarawak ahead of the 2050 net zero or carbon neutrality target which means we are achieving carbon negativity well before the deadline.” Abang Johari said Sarawak has the advantage of sharing this success with the world thus inviting collaboration for technological partnership. At the same time, he pointed out that Sarawak has emerged as a key player for interconnection in assisting the fulfilment of the Asean Power Grid. He said through Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB), Sarawak is supplying energy needed by Indonesia in East and West Kalimantan. “We are also supplying energy to Singapore and Brunei which means we are assisting three neighbouring countries. If we scale up our production, we can create more job opportunities and economic growth in the region.”
Move to make hydrogen accessible throughout Sarawak
BANGKOK: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has shared his vision of making hydrogen readily accessible across Sarawak. Noting how Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) Energy is pioneering the hydrogen revolution in Sarawak, he said Sarawak is committed to pioneering innovative solutions that will not only power the state’s economy but also safeguard the environment for generations to come. “SEDC Energy is positioning Sarawak at the forefront of the hydrogen economy thus setting a new standard for sustainable energy in Malaysia and Southeast Asia through visionary initiatives. “A cornerstone of this endeavour is the development of a state-wide network of Flagship Multi-fuel Stations (MPS) with a particular emphasis on hydrogen refuelling. “Our vision is to make hydrogen readily accessible across Sarawak. These stations will not only serve as refuelling hubs for hydrogen vehicles but will also symbolise our unwavering commitment to clean, efficient, and sustainable transportation,” he said. He said this during his keynote address at the Future Energy Asia 2024 here today. Abang Johari said Sarawak’s ambition extend beyond transportation as the Sarawak government envisions hydrogen as a versatile and sustainable feedstock for a multitude of industries. “One particularly promising avenue is the production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). By harnessing the power of hydrogen in conjunction with renewable resources like algae oil, we can create a cleaner, greener alternative to conventional jet fuel, significantly reducing the carbon footprint of air travel. “In essence, hydrogen is not merely a fuel; it is a catalyst for a greener, more resilient Sarawak. By embracing hydrogen, we are not only diversifying our energy mix but also unlocking a world of possibilities for economic growth, job creation, and environmental stewardship,” he said.
Premier outlines 10-20-30 as sustainable energy future for Sarawak
BANGKOK: 10, 20 and 30 are the main numbers for Sarawak’s energy vision moving forward. This grand vision was outlined by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, signifying Sarawak’s target of generating 10 gigawatts of energy capacity by the year 2030. “This is a simple way to remember the vision for a sustainable energy future for Sarawak. Our commitment to sustainability and renewable energy remains unwavering. “The generation of the 10 gigawatts of energy will predominantly be sourced from renewable sources such as hydropower, solar, gas turbine, and biomass energy,” he said. He said this during his keynote address at the Future Energy Asia Strategic Summit 2024 here today. Abang Johari said Sarawak is giving priority to investments in renewable energy, particularly renewable hydropower to propel the state’s growth forward with three pivotal targets for the energy sector being outlined. He said the Sarawak’s commitment to renewable hydropower has created opportunities for the state to develop bilateral transmission interconnections with Southeast Asian neighbours. “We are sharing our renewable resources and accelerating regional energy transition. This is in line with our regional renewable energy powerhouse ambitions. “In 2016, we took the first step in driving a Trans Borneo Grid with the commissioning of Sarawak’s first international and transboundary interconnection to West Kalimantan, Indonesia. “Sarawak has continued to build on our strong relationship with our Indonesian neighbours, progressing the Mentarang Induk Hydroelectric Project or MIHEP in North Kalimantan via a joint venture company with our Indonesian partners,” he said. Abang Johari stressed that Sarawak’s commitment to sustainability reaches beyond Borneo as the state is actively contributing to the ASEAN Power Grid initiative. “In collaboration with partners such as Sembcorp Utilities and Singapore Power International, Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) has undertaken technical studies for Sarawak-Singapore interconnection. “This project brings us closer to achieving regional energy integration and sustainability goals,” he said.
Sarawak considering to build new international airport in Kuching, says Premier
KUCHING (May 15): Sarawak plans to develop a new international airport in Kuching to support the growth of the aviation industry in the state, says Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. According to him, the construction of an international airport is necessary considering Sarawak’s air traffic is increasing and the insufficient facilities at the existing Kuching International Airport (KIA). “We are studying plans to build a new international airport due to the increase in our (air) traffic. “We are also looking at the international airport building now, I think there are not enough facilities with the increase in the number of flights and passenger traffic,” he told reporters at the lobby of the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Complex here today. He was asked after he said during his winding-up speech that the Sarawak government planned to develop a new international airport following the acquisition of MASwings. The effort, he said, will make Sarawak another regional aviation hub for Asean. Commenting further on the matter, Abang Johari said it was time for Sarawak to have a new international airport because the existing KIA has exceeded its capacity to handle more traffic. “We will inform you about the location later. What is certain is that it will be developed in Kuching, because the international airport has to be in Kuching because we want it to be an aviation hub. “We already have a hub for ports, this time we need a hub for flights. It’s not only for passengers but for cargo, meaning it works as a commercial hub,” he explained. Regarding the funds to build the new Kuching international airport, Abang Johari said the matter would be discussed with Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB). “Whether MAHB will be our partner to develop this airport depends on the availability of funds. “Perhaps we will develop together with MAB to build this new international airport,” he said. When asked on what will happen to the existing KIA, Abang Johari said it could be turned into an airport for chartered jets or private planes. “Of course the question is that the current KIA is sufficient or not in terms of capacity… so we need a new international airport, only after that we will see what can be done on the existing KIA,” he said.
Sarawak approves SST on export of ferroalloys and polysilicon, says Deputy Premier
KUCHING: Sarawak has approved the introduction of state sales tax (SST) on the export of ferroalloys and polysilicon as part of efforts to diversify revenue sources, says Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah. The Deputy Premier said the tax would be imposed at the rate of 1.5% effective Sept 1 this year. “This is a fair and reasonable rate for the affected companies as they enjoy tax incentives from the Federal Government and favourable power rates from the state. “The revenue generated from this source will give us fiscal flexibility in enhancing our socioeconomic development efforts which include, among others, implementing clean and renewable energy initiatives,” he said in his winding-up speech at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly sitting here on Wednesday (May 15). Uggah also said Sarawak collected RM14mil from SST on the export of selected timber products last year. He said that for this year, the state was projected to collect RM33mil from the tax, which was imposed effective June 1 last year. “Moving forward, the Sarawak government will continue to explore new opportunities to enhance and diversify our revenue sources. “This is imperative as we continue to pursue our development agenda so that no one will eventually be left behind,” he said. In addition, Uggah said Sarawak’s revenue was projected to be RM12.749bil this year. He said RM4.798bil or 38% of the projected revenue had been collected as of March 31. “Based on the performance thus far, we are confident we can achieve the targeted revenue projection for this year, barring any unfavourable circumstances at the global geopolitical level which could adversely affect oil and gas markets,” he added.
Sarawak estimated to possess high value mineral resources worth RM1.252 trillion
KUCHING, May 14: Sarawak is estimated to possess high value mineral resources for the energy industry and downstream manufacturing industry worth more than RM1.252 trillion. Natural Resources and Urban Development II Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said the estimated value is based on the records of Sarawak’s Department of Minerals and Geosciences Malaysia. These mineral resources are deposited across an area of approximately 39,824 square kilometers or 3,982,400 hectares, which involves 32 per cent of the area of Sarawak. The Sarawak government has thus requested for a larger allocation for Department of Minerals and Geosciences Malaysia, Sarawak from the Federal government so that the study on the existence of mineral resources in Sarawak can be carried out more extensively. “This geological study and mapping is very important to enable land use planning and the development of mineral-based industries to be made in detail and comprehensively by the government,” said Awang Tengah when delivery his ministerial winding-up speech in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) here today. He said in the development of mineral-based industries, the Sarawak government is currently trying to develop downstream industries especially those based on silica sand for the manufacturing of photovoltaic glass (PV glass) which is essential for solar power generation (green energy) and limestone for the clinker and cement industry. “In addition, the government is also studying the potential of an industry based on high-value strategic minerals, namely Non-Radioactive Rare Earth Elements (NR-REE). “NR-REE is needed in various manufacturing industries such as magnetics, phosphorus, ceramics, metal alloys, defence and so on,” said the Bukit Sari assemblyman (GPS-PBB). — DayakDaily
Sarawak Skills sending teaching staff for hydrogen-tech training in China
KUCHING (April 30): Sarawak Skills Group of Learning Institutions (Sarawak Skills) has announced a series of staff talent development initiatives to support the Sarawak Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 and the Sarawak government’s ongoing initiatives in carbon reduction emission. According to Sarawak Skills executive director Hallman Sabri, 10 teaching personnel from its three institutions are undergoing hydrogen technology training in China. The staff members are from the Automotive and Welding Institute of Sarawak (Awisar), i-CATS University College and Sarawak Skills Kuching. “The training is being held over a period of two weeks (April 21-May 7) at Foshan Polytechnic and Foshan Feichi Motor Technology Co Ltd in Foshan, Guangdong Province, China,” he said in a statement. Hallman, also the Federation of Malaysian Skills Development Centres (FMSDC) chairman, added: “FMSDC has a long-established relationship with HWK Aachen, Germany to enhance the competencies of trainers from the various skills development centres under the umbrella of FMSDC.” In this respect, he said 15 trainers including three from Sarawak Skills would be in Germany for the Train-The-Trainer (TTT) Meister Mechatronic Programme, to be running from June 8 to 22. “Indeed, for Sarawak Skills, these staff talent development initiatives will go a long way towards supporting the noble course of human capital development for the betterment of current and future generations of the workforce in line with the PCDS 2030,” added Hallman. For more information about Sarawak Skills, go to sarawakskills.edu.my or its social media platforms (a@Sarawak Skills on Facebook, and @sarawakskillsofficial on Instagram).
Swedish businesses invited to venture into Sarawak’s forest plantation and wood-based industries
KUCHING, April 29 — Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan recently held a networking session with Business Sweden, an agency promoting Swedish companies to grow in the global market and for foreign direct investors to expand business in Sweden. Awang Tengah extended an invitation to the Swedish business community to venture into Sarawak’s forestry, forest plantation and wood-based industries. He pointed out that Sarawak is moving towards a sustainable and renewable wood-based industry utilising material from forest plantations to produce engineered wood, biomass fuels, pulp and paper. “Sarawak has a geographical advantage as it is located near to large market with high growth rate such as China, Japan, India, Korea and Australia,” he said in a press release issued by his office. Awang Tengah, who is also Minister of International Trade, Industry and Investment, had led a Sarawak delegation on a two-day working visit to Sweden which began last Thursday. According to the press release, Business Sweden sees potential opportunities to consider in Sarawak in areas like research and innovation, digital application in forest management, forest industries for wood structure constructions, and human capital development. It said Business Sweden in collaboration with the industries and agencies will continue to engage in dialogues with Sarawak to identify areas of common interest to be considered and implemented in the future. Meanwhile, Awang Tengah at the meeting was briefed by the Swedish Forest Agency, Swedish Wood Building Council, Ecco Innovation Foundation, and Swedish pulp and paper manufacturer Billerud on matters pertaining to the development of forest industries in Sweden. The Deputy Premier and the Sarawak delegation were told about the use of engineered wood to construct timber structures, collaboration by Ecco Innovation Foundation in other countries in Southeast Asia, and pulp and paper industry. At the same session, Sarawak Planted Forest Sdn Bhd general manager Paul Valentine gave a briefing on the overview development status of planted forest in Sarawak and opportunities for future collaborations and investments for the Swedish business communities. These opportunities are in digital technology, mechanisation for planted forest harvesting, and production of high value-added products such as pulp, paper, engineered wood and biomass fuel, said the release. — The Borneo Post
Deputy Premier in Sweden to explore sustainable forestry collaboration
By DayakDaily Team KUCHING, April 28: Deputy Premier of Sarawak Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan had a networking session with Business Sweden, an agency that promotes Swedish companies’ global growth and foreign direct investors’ expansion in Sweden.Awang Tengah was in Stockholm for a two-day working visit to promote Sarawak as an investment destination for Swedish investors, as well as to explore opportunities for collaboration in forest management, plantation, and technology to process planted timber species. According to a press release, the Deputy Premier was briefed by Swedish Forest Agencies, Swedish Wood Building Council, Ecco Innovation Foundation, and Billerud on topics such as the development of forest industries in Sweden, the use of engineered wood to construct timber structures, Ecco Innovation Foundation collaboration with other countries in Southeast Asia, and the pulp and paper industry.The industry has a structured mission to achieve a circular bio-based society for Sweden. During the same session, Paul Valentine, General Manager of Sarawak Planted Forest Sdn Bhd, provided an overview of the development status of planted forests in Sarawak, as well as opportunities for future collaborations and investments in digital technology, mechanisation for planted forest harvesting, and the production of high value-added products such as pulp, paper, engineered wood, and biomass fuel for the Swedish business communities. The Deputy Premier invited the Swedish business community to consider investing in Sarawak’s forestry, forest plantation, and wood-related industries. He pointed out that Sarawak is transitioning to a sustainable and renewable wood-based industry that uses material from forest plantations to produce engineered wood, biomass fuels, pulp, and paper.Sarawak also a geographic advantage because it is close to large markets with high growth rates, such as China, Japan, India, South Korea and Australia. Meanwhile, Business Sweden sees potential opportunities in Sarawak for research and innovation, digital forest management applications, forest industries for wood structure construction, and human capital development, according to the press release. Business Sweden, in collaboration with industries and agencies, will continue to engage in dialogues with Sarawak to identify areas of mutual interest that can be considered and implemented in the future. Also present during the working visit were Swedish Ambassador to Malaysia Dr Joachim Bengstrom; Deputy Minister for Urban Planning, Land Administration, and Natural Resources, Datuk Len Talif Salleh; Advisor to the Ministry of International Trade, Industry, and Investment (MINTRED), Dato Sri Mohd Naroden; Director of Forests, Datu Hamden Mohammad; Permanent Secretary of MINTRED, Dzulkornain Masron; General Manager of Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC), Zainal Abidin Abdullah; Advisor to STIDC, Datu Hashim Bojet; CEO of Invest Sarawak Timothy Ong; and CEO of PUSAKA Capital Sdn Bhd, Mohd Nor Topek Julaihi. – DayakDaily
Premier: Sarawak to replace coal with biomass at Sejingkat, Balingian power plants
KUCHING (April 28): Sarawak plans to replace the use of coal at the Sejingkat and Balingian power plants with biomass, in line with the state’s efforts to develop clean and sustainable energy, says Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. Speaking to reporters after gracing the national-level World Water Day celebration at Kuching Waterfront today, the Sarawak Premier said doing so would not only reduce carbon emission but also provide economic benefits. He cited the Drax facility in the United Kingdom, which he visited recently during an official trip to the UK, as an example of a power plant successfully transitioning from coal to biomass as a source of energy. “At Drax, they previously used coal but have now replaced it with biomass. The investment (to change) is not high because the system is very similar. “This is what we want to use for Sejinkat and Balingian. We want to decommission coal. I have calculated that we can use our biomass to generate power,” he said. Abang Johari explained that switching from coal to wood waste could generate power exceeding 500 megawatts. “Now we only need to strengthen the boiler and also from the point of view of the motor machine, and this will enable Sejingkat (plant) to generate even up to one gigawatt,” he said. Touching on his visit to the Drax power station, the Premier said the insight he gained has provided him a valuable framework in further developing the state’s renewable energy sector, adding he will discuss this with state utility company Sarawak Energy Berhad. He also expressed happiness that the European community has recognised Sarawak’s role in addressing climate change. “We will share the technology we have in renewable energy production including biomass,” he said. Separately, Abang Johari said the implementation of cascading dams in the hinterland will be carried out elsewhere if the local population objected to it. “If they disagree, the government will move (the project) to another area. If they feel suspicious, we will go to another place where the people want (the project to be implemented). “Now we are implementing the project near Sungai Kanowit and Song. In Kapit, they want this cascading source, and we have a new technology that I mentioned as a tank elevator. “This depends on the theory of gravity, which means that the flow of water can generate energy,” he said. Also present at the event were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Sri Julaihi Narawi and his deputy minister Datuk Liwan Lagang, and Fadillah’s deputy minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir.
