JULAI 2025
Bintulu Puts Sarawak At Forefont Of Global Power Transition
TOKYO, Thurs: The recent selection of Bintulu as Malaysia’s first Transitioning Industrial Cluster (TIC) under the auspicious of the World Economic Forum has put Sarawak at the forefront of world energy transition initiative, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Haji Johari Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg said here, today.
As of the latest announcements, the World Economic Forum (WEF) has confirmed 35 TIC across 16 countries, with Malaysia now included as a participating country via the Bintulu cluster.
“I am proud to announce a major milestone – not just for Sarawak but for Malaysia,” the Premier said in reference to the selection of Bintulu as a TIC in his keynote address at the World Hydrogen Conference Asia, here.
“This places Sarawak on the global map, joining the 35 industrial clusters across 16 countries, including 30 port-anchored hubs, representing an incredible 66% of global GDP,” he pointed out.
“This is a powerful recognition of Bintulu’s strategic potential and Sarawak’s commitment to clean industrial transformation,” he told the participants of the Conference who are industry players and policy makers.
He said the TIC initiative together with public and private stakeholders to co-develop innovative, low-carbon solutions – reducing CO2 emissions, spurring green growth and creating future-ready jobs.
“This is where the future of industry begins, - where climate ambition meets economic opportunity. And we are proud that Sarawak will lead Malaysia as the first to chart this path forward,” he further pointed out.
Sarawak did it first and we are just getting started and I would like to invite you to partner and innovate with us in Sarawak, he told the industry players.
In reflecting Sarawak’s approach towards finding a solution to generate clean energy as part of the global climate action, the Premier said Sarawak’s electricity was primarily generated from clean, firm, and affordable hydro energy that had formed the backbone of its energy system.
“This monumental shift away from fossil fuels has yielded a remarkable 72% reduction in our grid carbon emissions between 2010 and 2023, and it is now enabling Sarawak to lead Malaysia’s charge in advancing hydrogen as the fuel of the future,” he said.
We believe that hydrogen is not just a clean molecule—it is a connector. It connects energy to climate, industry to innovation, and nations to opportunity.
“This is the thinking behind our strategy. Earlier this year, I have launched the Sarawak Hydrogen Economy Roadmap, or SHER—a structured and ambitious plan to catalyse green growth for ASEAN and beyond,” he further said.
“Sarawak’s hydrogen journey is already unfolding.
“Projects such as H2biscus and H2ornbill are advancing through the Front End Engineering Design (FEED) phase. Our Hydrogen Fuel Cell powered Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) system is being rolled out to modernise urban mobility with zero carbon emission.
“The purpose built Rembus Hydrogen Plant designed to produce 5000kg daily, will supply green hydrogen for the Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS) that will power the 38 ART trams and 55 hydrogen feeder buses,” he added.
Later, the Premier took part in a panel discussion to deliberate on the journey forward for hydrogen economy and the potential challenges along the way.
Among those accompanying the Premier were, State Secretary, Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Deputy Minister of Energy and Environmental Sustainability ( MEESTY), Datuk Dr. Hazland bin Abang Hipni, Deputy Minister of Utility and Telecommunication, Dato Ibrahim Baki, Deputy State Secretary, Dato Sri Dr. Abdullah Zaidell, Permanent Secretary to the MEESTY, Datu Abang Ahmad bin Abang Morni and Chairman of SEDC, Tan Sri Datuk Amar Haji Abdul Aziz bin Hussien.