Capitalising on energy generation to progress

Harnessing Sarawak’s strength in renewable power production key to propelling economic devt – Premier

KUCHING: Sarawak needs to harness its strength in renewable energy production to propel the state’s economy forward, said Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

The Premier stressed that the strength of Sarawak lies in its energy generation, including hydropower, solar power, hydrogen production and a hybrid form of energy between wind and solar power.

“My view is that for Sarawak, we must know our strength and only then we can move forward.

“We must analyse our strength and focus on it. Some people call it comparative advantage,” he said when officiating at the closing ceremony of Sarawak Land and Survey Department Summit 2024 at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching on Saturday night.

He said other projects related to renewable energy embarked on by the state included the carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) initiative that would offer another source of revenue to the government.

Abang Johari pointed out Sarawak is leading other states in the country in its renewable energy agenda, with the state’s laws having been amended in order to stay updated with the latest requirements of the market, as well as be in line with environmental sustainability goals.

Moreover, he said he aspires for Sarawak to one day achieve the economic success of Bavaria, the state with the largest land size in Germany, and for renewable energy to serve as the foundation of Sarawak’s economic development.

We must analyse our strength and focus on it. Some people call it comparative advantage.

Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg

“If Sarawak is prosperous, Malaysia as a whole will also prosper.”

Abang Johari also highlighted that it is within the state government’s financial capability to provide free tertiary education for Sarawakians studying in state-owned universities by 2026.

He also welcomed the plan by the Sarawak Land and Survey Department to survey the continental shelf of Sarawak to safeguard its economic interest.

Among those present were Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian; State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki; Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Urban Development Datuk Len Talif Salleh; and Sarawak Land and Survey Department director Datu Abdullah Julaihi.