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KUCHING, June 28: Affordable electricity tariffs at RM0.25 per kilowatt (KWh), abundant renewable energy and commitment towards environmental sustainability makes Sarawak a key destination for investors within the Southeast Asia region.
Deputy Premier Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian said during a recent visit to Singapore, he has suggested that the Island Republic considers purchasing renewable energy from Sarawak which is located only 800km away and offers electricity at a competitive rate of RM0.25 per KWh or equivalent to SGD0.075.
“The Singapore environment minister told me that Singapore is purchasing 1,000 megawatts of hydroelectric power from Loas which is over 3,000 kilometres away. I suggested they can buy from Sarawak which is a more cost-effective option.
“Even China’s electricity tariff is four times higher,” he said when addressing the official launch of Zoomlion, a large company which supplies high quality equipment and machinery from China for construction and heavy industry, held at Edaran HS Ngee Hong Service Centre in Siburan here today.
Dr Sim also revealed that Sarawak has partnered with Petronas to accelerate the adoption of green solutions and energy, working towards achieving the net-zero aspiration.
This commitment, he emphasised is crucial in addressing the challenges of climate change, particularly considering that Sarawak houses 42 percent of Malaysia’s forests.
Another notable advantage of Sarawak, he highlighted, lies in its extensive experience of 100 years in the oil and gas industry.
“With the depletion of oil fields, these areas can now serve as carbon storage which is projected to generate an estimated annual revenue of at least RM20 billion for Sarawak in the green economy sector,” he said.
Another significant development in Sarawak, Dr Sim added, is the venture into hydrogen production, with investments from South Korea and Japan.
“By 2030, South Korean will need three million tonnes of hydrogen and it has invested in a plant in Sarawak, capable of yielding 1.5 million tonnes of hydrogen for their country.
“I believe China is also making advancement and strides towards hydrogen and green energy in order to safeguard its national security.
“As we strive for progress and advancement, it is crucial to prioritise environmental preservation,” he said.
Dr Sim thus urged the private sector to transform themselves with high technology to steer Sarawak forward and drive the State’s transformation towards a green economy and greater economic growth. — DayakDaily
