By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, May 5: “We are far behind Sarawak.”
That was the remark made by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim when comparing Peninsular Malaysia’s energy development to Sarawak’s rapid progress in renewable energy, revealed Deputy Prime Minister Dato Sri Fadillah Yusof last night (May 4).
He said Sarawak, under the far-sighted leadership of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, has taken major strides in hydrogen and biogas development, while Peninsular Malaysia is still grappling with basic energy security issues.
“In the Peninsula, we are still struggling to ensure electricity supply security. Hydro is insufficient, and solar is intermittent—with batteries lasting only up to eight hours. This challenges the grid system,” Fadillah said in his speech when attending Masjid, Bintangor and Haji Taha (MBHT) gathering event held at Waterfront Hotel here.
Fadillah further said the instability of renewable energy sources has even caused blackouts in parts of Europe such as Spain and Portugal—underscoring the importance of Sarawak’s efforts to stabilise its grid alongside producing clean energy.
He stressed that a stable energy system is key to attracting investors and called for closer collaboration with local universities and training institutions to prepare a skilled workforce.
“Kuching has the advantage in terms of education and training. We need to work together to produce a knowledgeable and skilled generation that can not only uplift Sarawak but also contribute to national development,” he said. — DayakDaily
