By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, March 12: Batu Kitang assemblyman Dato Lo Khere Chiang has dismissed Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong’s criticism of Sarawak’s hydrogen initiatives, saying her arguments reflect a narrow and outdated perspective that ignores the State’s strategic advantages.
He asserted that by citing select examples of failed hydrogen projects abroad, Yong failed to recognise Sarawak’s unique resources and conditions, which make it an ideal leader in this emerging energy sector.
“Sarawak is not blindly investing in hydrogen—we are strategically leveraging our strengths. Under Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s leadership, Sarawak has earned global recognition as a pioneer in hydrogen energy,” Lo said in a statement today.
He emphasised that unlike the failed projects Yong highlighted, Sarawak benefits from a strong combination of hydroelectric power and natural gas resources, making hydrogen production cost-effective and sustainable in the long run.
“Other nations struggle to secure clean energy sources, while Sarawak is blessed with abundant rainfall and hydroelectric capabilities, giving us a competitive edge that many countries simply do not have,” he added.
Lo’s remarks came in response to Yong’s statement yesterday, in which she urged the Sarawak government to reassess its plan to introduce hydrogen buses for the Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS), citing global failures and safety concerns associated with the technology.
In rebuttal, Lo stressed that the global energy sector is embracing hydrogen as a crucial component of the clean energy transition, with major companies investing heavily in its development.
“If world leaders in energy and mobility recognize the potential of hydrogen, why is Violet Yong so intent on dismissing it?,” he questioned, citing Forbes senior editor Alan Ohnsman’s analysis of the growing momentum behind green hydrogen.
Yong had suggested that electric buses were a better alternative, but Lo countered that such a claim ignored the reality that battery-powered vehicles are not suitable for heavy transport and industrial applications.
“Electric vehicles (EVs) are great for personal cars, but they lack the range, efficiency, and practicality needed for long-haul transport, shipping, and industrial applications—areas where hydrogen is far superior,” he explained.
He pointed out that many advanced nations, including Japan and Singapore, are heavily investing in hydrogen energy due to its large-scale energy potential.
“Japan has to import liquefied natural gas (LNG) to generate electricity, but Sarawak already has this resource in Bintulu. This puts us in a much better position to capitalize on hydrogen energy than many developed nations,” Lo said.
Germany, South Korea, and even China are also pouring billions into hydrogen infrastructure, further proving its long-term viability.
“Even China has ambitious hydrogen bus programs in multiple cities. Surely all these nations are not foolishly wasting money; it is more probable that they are well ahead of the curve, as is Sarawak.
“Sarawak’s leadership in hydrogen is not just theoretical—we are actively engaged in global discussions, with Premier invited to speak at major international energy forums. If hydrogen were truly a failed venture, why would the world’s energy leaders take us seriously?” he added.
Lo also took aim at Yong’s party, the Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak, arguing that opposition leaders should focus on fulfilling their past promises before questioning Gabungan Parti Sarawak’s (GPS) long-term hydrogen strategy.
He raised several questions regarding DAP’s unfulfilled commitments to Sarawak, including the promised 20 per cent oil royalty, autonomy over education and healthcare, federal recognition of Unified Examination Certificate (UEC), and RM2,000 cash assistance per Sarawakian promised during the 2018 election campaign.
“These are legitimate questions that deserve answers. If Yong and her party wish to criticise GPS for long-term investments, they should first address why their own short-term promises remain unfulfilled,” Lo said.
He asserted that in her attempt to remain a vocal opposition figure, Yong had lost sight of the bigger picture.
“The world is transitioning toward renewable energy, and Sarawak is taking the lead. Instead of supporting this forward-thinking initiative, she focuses on isolated failures elsewhere while disregarding Sarawak’s unique strengths,” he stated.
Lo concluded that Sarawak is not blindly following trends but setting them, with its rich natural resources, strong leadership, and international recognition positioning its hydrogen strategy for success.
“If Yong refuses to acknowledge this reality, perhaps it is her perspective—not Sarawak’s hydrogen ambition—that is truly outdated,” he said. — DayakDaily
