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By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Sept 4: Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg refutes criticism and skeptical remarks from certain quarters in Peninsular Malaysia who questioned Sarawak’s move to sell its energy to Singapore instead of sending it to Peninsular Malaysia.
He clarified that it was Singapore who requested for Sarawak to sell its energy to the island state rather than Sarawak offering to sell it.
“I would like to clarify here because there are a lot of skeptics and negative views from our friends in Peninsular Malaysia: Why sell to Singapore? Why not send to Peninsular Malaysia?
“As you know, we (Sarawak) are not a member of the Malaysian Energy Commission, and we have been supplying power to Kalimantan, Indonesia, so why can’t we also help Singapore?” Abang Johari said when officiating at the 2023 World Green & Sustainability Summit held at UCSI Hotel here today.
Noting that Peninsular Malaysia is short of energy, Abang Johari said Sarawak is ready to help supply energy to them through undersea cable across the South China Sea.
“What we can do—we just extend from the cable to your (power grid), and Johor Bahru will get energy from us. So, in other words, for the long term, it means hydro-renewable energy for everybody.
“What is important is for us to manage climate change, then everybody will benefit,” he added.
On the collaboration with Singapore, Abang Johari explained that the island country has agreed in principle on positioning a data centre in Sarawak should it require intensive energy consumption beyond the maximum ceiling of 1,000 megawatts (MW).
“We told Singaporeans that if they need intensive industry in Singapore, but they don’t have the power, they (invest) to Sarawak.
“If it is beyond 1,000 MW, they can position particularly a data centre in Sarawak— Singapore agrees.
“In other words, it is not for sale but based on the understanding between Singapore and Sarawak,” he emphasised. — DayakDaily
