DISEMBER 2022
Sarawak No Longer Hidden Gem: Premier
KUALA LUMPUR, Sat: Resource-rich Sarawak is no longer a hidden gem in the Asia region as the State continues to forge collaboration with other economies in the region, the Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Abang Haji Zohari Tun Abang Haji Openg said here yesterday night.
“To many, Sarawak is a hidden gem of ASEAN. However, my government is determined that Sarawak will no longer stay hidden. Instead, we will be like our beloved state bird, the Rhinoceros Hornbill – magnificent, majestic, proud and known to the world,” he pointed out.
The Premier as guest-of-honour was delivering a keynote address to 500 odd corporate figures at the International Business Review ASEAN Awards ceremony, here.
He said his sharings in a few renowned international platforms such as World Hydrogen Summit, Rotterdam, Japan Time to Act Forum and Singapore International Energy Week this year were testimonies of Sarawak’s economic policy direction in the new economy.
“We want to create a brand for Sarawak. Given our close proximity, regional collaboration and cooperation between ASEAN nations will definitely help to promote and accelerate regional growth.
“Soon, Sarawak will also have its own boutique airline. This airline will not only boost tourism, but also drive businesses in Sarawak. This will be a catalyst towards bringing Sarawak to the next level with better connectivity and accessibility to the world,” he pointed out.
The Premier said the future growth of ASEAN would be dependent on stable, secure and most importantly sustainable supply of renewable energy, particularly with growing concerns in tackling climate change and the goal towards net zero emissions by 2050.
“I trust that Sarawak has the means and capacity to become the green battery of ASEAN, where Sarawak positions herself to be South East Asia’s powerhouse through affordable, reliable and renewable energy,” he said.
He told the audience that Sarawak’s energy development would move towards low carbon future.
“Since 2010 to 2020, Sarawak was able to decarbonise its power system by more than 70%. Sarawak currently shares its renewable energy resources with West Kalimantan, Indonesia through interconnections since 2016 and by end of 2023, we will commence power export to Sabah and potentially other neighbouring ASEAN countries,” he said.
He also said beyond hydropower, Sarawak had embarked into producing green hydrogen which as energy source had broad usage, including for mobility, commercial, industrial and energy storage, as well as feedstock to various chemical processes.
“As the global hydrogen market is gaining traction, with clean hydrogen production capacity more than doubled since January 2021, I am convinced Sarawak will be able to participate and contribute actively to the production of green and more sustainable hydrogen energy in the near future.
“In fact, by 2027, Sarawak will be able to produce 220,000 tonnes of green hydrogen upon completion of our first hydrogen plant,” he said.
Sumber dari : Sarawakku