By Karen Bong
SIBU, Oct 24: Sarawak is looking to harness its abundant rivers and water resources to strengthen its green energy capacity and support the growth of high-tech industries, including semiconductor manufacturing and advanced manufacturing.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said water and energy would become increasingly important as the State sought to position itself as a producer of advanced technology rather than merely a consumer.
He said industries involving artificial intelligence semiconductors and advanced manufacturing required substantial energy and water resources, particularly for cooling systems.
“New technologies depend on semiconductors. AI semiconductors and advanced manufacturing depend on water and energy.
“Without water, these technologies cannot operate because they generate heat. They need water to cool the technology used in high-tech industries,” he said when officiating at the National-Level World Rivers Day Celebration 2026 at Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang here today, which was broadcasted live via Ukas Channel.
He said Sarawak’s extensive river network provided an important advantage in developing renewable energy, particularly hydropower.
Abang Johari noted that Sarawak already had major hydropower facilities along Batang Rajang, including Bakun, Baleh and Murum.
He said the development of clean energy was essential to support industrialisation while addressing global concerns over carbon emissions and climate change.
“God has blessed us with many rivers and abundant water. More water means more power,” he said.
Abang Johari said Sarawak could contribute to the ASEAN Power Grid through its hydropower resources, while also supporting the development of high-value industries within the region.
He stressed that the rivers must be protected and their water treated appropriately to support both green energy production and industrial cooling requirements.
“With Sarawak’s many rivers, we can keep them clean and treat the water for green energy, as well as for cooling systems in advanced manufacturing,” he said.
The Premier said Malaysia’s continued position in the middle-income trap was partly due to its reliance on consuming technology rather than creating and producing it.
He cited South Korea as an example of a country that had advanced by developing its own technologies and building globally competitive industries.
Abang Johari said Sarawak wanted to move in a similar direction by developing semiconductor manufacturing capabilities for the global market.
“Sarawak’s development strategy under the Post-Covid Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030) must ensure that economic growth was balanced with environmental sustainability,” he said.
He added that Sarawak would continue investing in technology and infrastructure to ensure its natural resources could support long-term economic development.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, Minister of Tourism, Art and Culture Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, Deputy Minister of Local Government Datuk Michael Tiang, PETRA secretary general Dato Sri Mad Zaidi Mohd Karli, DID Malaysia director general Datuk Ir Mohamad Radzi Abdul Talib and DID Sarawak director Datu Ir Ahamd Denny Ahmad Fauzi were among the distinguished guests present. — DayakDaily
