Abang Johari waters the tree he just planted in a programme to mark the launch of the SWG Green Complex and Carbon Hub in Kuching. – Photo by Faisal Ahmad
KUCHING (June 15): Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros) has been tasked with carrying out further studies on the potential existence of natural gas resources in several areas of Sarawak, including Mukah, Lawas and Gedong, to support the state’s green energy transition agenda.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said there were early indications of the presence of such resources based on geological and scientific factors, but detailed research was needed to determine the actual reserves and their commercial viability.
“I have asked Petros to study it. At the moment, we do not know the actual quantity or volume of the resources available. That is why scientific studies must be conducted first,” he told reporters when met after the launch of the SWG Green Complex and Decarbon Hub at Demak Laut Industrial Park here on Monday.
Abang Johari, who is also Minister of Natural Resources and Urban Development said, natural hydrogen has the potential to form through geological processes involving carbon, water and high pressure beneath the earth’s surface, while natural gas can also be generated under similar conditions.
The Finance and New Economy Minister said the discovery of new energy resources could further strengthen Sarawak’s position as a producer of clean and low-carbon energy in the future.
Abang Johari added that efforts to explore new green energy resources were becoming increasingly important as developed nations, including the European Union (EU), begin introducing carbon levy mechanisms on products associated with high carbon emissions.
According to him, the global market is increasingly prioritising products manufactured using clean energy and environmentally friendly processes.
“The world is moving towards green energy and green products. The EU is implementing carbon levies on products that do not meet the required carbon emission standards.”
“That is why Sarawak must prepare early by developing clean and low-carbon energy resources so that products manufactured in the state remain competitive in the international market,” he explained.
The Premier noted that Sarawak has a unique advantage through its renewable hydropower resources, in addition to its natural gas supply, which is categorised as a low-carbon energy source.
He added that the exploration of new natural gas and natural hydrogen resources would further strengthen Sarawak’s long-term strategy to emerge as a regional green energy hub, while creating economic opportunities for future generations.
“This is not only for today, but for the next 20 to 30 years. We are laying the foundation for a new generation to enjoy economic benefits driven by clean energy and green technology,” he pointed out.
Earlier in his speech, Abang Johari said Bintulu has received international recognition from the World Economic Forum (WEF) as a Transitioning Industrial Cluster (TIC), a low-carbon industrial cluster.
“Bintulu is one of only 30 such clusters recognised globally and the first in Malaysia. It is also among the pioneers in the Asean region. To support this transformation, the Sarawak government is investing heavily in education and talent development.
“Through free tertiary education initiatives and skills development programmes, we aim to upskill and reskill our workforce so they can participate fully in the industries of the future,” he said.”
“With that in mind, I would like to congratulate SWG for opening the Green Complex and Carbon Hub and I hope your efforts will contribute significantly to the transformation of Sarawak’s industrial landscape, not only in Bintulu but also in Kuching and throughout the state.”
Also present were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, Deputy Minister of Energy and Environmental Sustainability Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni, Chief Political Secretary to the Premier Datuk Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman, SWG Energy Group chairman Dato Sri Abang Abdul Karim Tun Openg and deputy chairman Alex N.U Pang.
