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.”
Sarawak keen to work with EU in tackling climate change
Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg (third left) launching InvestSarawak at the EU-Malaysia Business Day networking dinner in Kuching on Wednesday (Feb 14) night. – ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star KUCHING: Sarawak is keen to work with the European Union (EU) on mitigating climate change, says Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. The Premier said the EU had experience and technology while Sarawak’s strength was in its natural resources and renewable energy. “Although we are a small state, we feel we have the responsibility to assist in addressing climate change and reducing carbon emissions. “You are welcome to explore which areas you can collaborate with us on this and together we can help the world,” he said at the EU-Malaysia Business Day networking dinner here on Wednesday (Feb 14) night. Abang Johari said other potential areas of collaboration were in digitalisation and education. “Perhaps we can send our students to study in Europe,” he said. Abang Johari also launched InvestSarawak, the state’s investment and trade agency, at the same event. InvestSarawak will serve as a one-stop centre and first point of contact for all investors in the state. It will be the key facilitator for investors in the development, applications and approvals for investment projects in Sarawak, besides improving the ease of doing business. Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said InvestSarawak was a pivotal initiative which aimed to transform the investment landscape, increase trade and improve talent attraction in the state. “It will play a key role serving as facilitator and adviser to provide invaluable local insights to all investors, both foreign and domestic,” he said.
