Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. – Photo by Faisal Ahmad
KUCHING (June 15): Sarawak has been recognised internationally as an “electro-petro state” — a region that combines both energy resources and clean electricity generation, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
“We have abundant natural gas resources, particularly low-carbon methane, which can be used to generate electricity. At the same time, we are blessed with substantial renewable energy resources through hydropower,” he said when officiating at the launch of SWG Green Complex and Decarbon Hub at Demak Laut Industrial Park here on Monday.
He pointed out that at a recent hydrogen conference here, a representative from the International Energy Agency highlighted Sarawak’s unique advantages.
“He compared our position with that of the Middle East, which is traditionally known for producing fossil fuels and is often described as a petro state. At the same time, countries such as Japan and China are increasingly electrifying their economies and are becoming what some call electro states.”
“In this regard, Sarawak is exceptionally fortunate. Sarawak, however, possesses the strengths of both,” Abang Johari said, adding that he might prefer the term “electro-hydro-petro state” for Sarawak’s case.
Abang Johari greets other guests upon his arrival at the launch of the SWG Green Complex and Decarbon Hub in Kuching. – Photo by Mohd Faisal Ahmad
Abang Johari, who is also Minister of Natural Resources and Urban Development as well as Minister of Finance and New Economy, said energy, sustainability and future development pathways are the three key pillars critical to Sarawak’s progress.
He stressed that energy is fundamental to economic development, but the world is now entering a new era where green energy has become a necessity.
“Around the world, nations are working to reduce carbon emissions and replace traditional energy sources with cleaner, environmentally sustainable alternatives.
“From Kyoto to Paris and beyond, international discussions have focused on transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable and low-carbon energy. These are precisely the forms of energy needed in the modern economy.”
Abang Johari said the current challenge lies in technology, and Sarawak must deploy the right technologies to maximise its energy resources and accelerate its transition to a low-carbon future.
He said this presents significant opportunities for industry in Sarawak, but stressed that access to green energy alone is not sufficient, as industrial processes themselves must also be green.
“We must think regionally and position ourselves to serve the entire Asean market. Sarawak sits at the heart of this dynamic region, and the Sarawak government is investing heavily in infrastructure to strengthen our connectivity.”
“In the energy sector, for example, we are exploring the infrastructure required to export electricity to Singapore through subsea transmission links,” he said.
He added that connectivity is also a key driver of business, which is among the reasons Sarawak established AirBorneo to improve regional access and facilitate business engagement across Asean.
“While we are currently in a transition phase and there may be some initial challenges, we are confident these issues will be resolved as we move forward.”
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 it’s deputy chairman Alex N.U Pang.
