By Peter Sibon
KUCHING, Oct 23: Sarawak, with its vast water resources, will focus on hydrogen economy that has the potential to become the next big industry in the state.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said hydrogen economy will also be part of the digital economy agenda, which the state has been heavily promoting.
“Eventually, we will convert our digital economy to hydrogen economy. We have manufactured hydrogen by our own and it’s working now. Furthermore, we have a lot of water resource from our dams.
“The future will be focused on hydrogen economy,” he told reporters after opening the Sarawak Invention, Innovation and Design Expo (SIIDEX) 2019 at CIDB Convention Centre, here, today.
Abang Johari believed it was time for Sarawak to leap forward and focus on hydrogen technology following the setting up of the hydrogen refuelling station in Bintawa.
The chief minister cited the state’s three hydrogen buses, including a hydrogen vehicle that he was driving, which would be part of its research and development on hydrogen-powered vehicles.
Abang Johari projected that the use of hydrogen powered public transport and refuelling facilities could be extended across the state within two years.
“We want to build a series of hydrogen stations throughout the state. We will have five stations in Kuching and once the public are accepting (to hydrogen powered vehicles), they can buy this kind of cars,” he said.
When asked whether the state government would provide incentives to the public to buy hydrogen powered vehicles, he said it would not be the case as transportation is under the purview of the federal government.
The chief minister said he uses a hydrogen powered car to assure the public that it is safe to use. Abang Johari later demonstrated to members of the media how the car operates. — DayakDaily
