By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Aug 31: Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg will travel to South Korea at the end of this week to meet and strengthen cooperation with industry leaders and investors for the development of the hydrogen economy in Sarawak.
Later in October, he will also answer an invitation to visit Japan to share his views on hydrogen as a new fuel source in the energy transition from carbon fuel to carbon-free fuel as part of the global fight against climate change.
Revealing this today, Abang Johari emphasised that the Sarawak government is committed and ready to work with foreign investors such as those from South Korea and Japan to develop the hydrogen economy in Sarawak.
“Sarawak is always open to cooperation for the benefit of all parties and the people.
“Recently, I have received visits from several federal ministers. I welcomed them with an open heart to cooperate for the benefit of Sarawak and the country as a whole,” he said.
He highlighted this during the Sarawak-Level National Day celebration officiated at by Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud at Tan Sri Datuk Amar Stephen Kalong Ningkan Sports Hall in Betong which was streamed live via Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas) social media channels today.
However, should there be a dispute over power and rights of the State or federation, Abang Johari pointed out that the court should ascertain the truth in any matter, referring to Sarawak’s success in asserting its rights in imposing State Sales Tax (SST) on petroleum products.
“Since 2019, Sarawak has collected RM8 billion in SST and with the hike in price of crude oil, it is certain that SST collection this year will also increase.
“With the increase in Sarawak’s income, it will be returned back to the people through implementation of various development (initiatives) as well as assistance,” he said.
Even though Sarawak and Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas) were involved in a court battle previously, Abang Johari said both parties have good cooperation now to advance the oil and gas industry in Sarawak following the signing of a Commercial Settlement Agreement in December 2020.
Among others, he revealed, Petronas is committed to supplying more natural gas to Sarawak with the development of a second gas delivery facility at Tanjung Kidurong that will in turn contribute to the development of a petrochemical hub in Bintulu.
“I am confident that through this collaboration, including with other parties, Sarawak will have its own petrochemical hub that will provide more employment opportunities for the people in Sarawak, especially the youth,” he added.
Sarawak through SEDC Energy, he continued, will also establish research and development (R&D) collaboration with Petronas to produce sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from algae which could become an alternative fuel suitable for powering aircraft given that the aviation industry produces a lot of greenhouse gas which is the main cause of global warming.
“The potential for Sarawak to become an advanced economy with high income by 2030 is bright. As such, I urge all Sarawakians to work hard and cooperate so that our aspirations and ambitions can be realised.
“Division in society due to racial and religious issues will definitely hinder our continuous efforts which will ultimately cost all of us. Sarawak is fortunate to be peaceful with the people continuously safeguarding our unity,” he reminded.
Meanwhile, today’s National Day celebration in Betong also witnessed the raising of the Jalur Gemilang as well as a variety of performances which showcased unity and diversity in Sarawak and in remembrance of Aug 31.
Deputies Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, Minister of Utility and Telecommunications-cum-minister-in-charge of this year’s National Day celebration Datuk Julaihi Narawi, Cabinet ministers, elected representatives and community leaders were among those present. — DayakDaily
