By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Nov 25: Based on current feedstock availability, Sarawak has an estimated 1,330 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy potential, presenting significant opportunities for the development of green industries across the State.
Balingian assemblyman Yakub Arbi said the establishment of designated areas for the segregation, accumulation, and collection of sustainable resources and wastes would allow Sarawak to aggregate feedstock at scale, strengthening the viability of renewable and green industries.
He outlined that the State’s renewable energy potential includes 550MW from agricultural biomass, 600MW from wood biomass from sustainable forests, 40MW from municipal solid waste, and 140MW from animal waste such as ruminant, swine, and poultry manure.
“Sarawak also possess a diverse range of biomass feedstocks, including municipal solid waste, sago biomass (trunk, bark, fibre), woody biomass (chips, sawdust, bark, offcuts), palm oil biomass (FFB, EFB, PKS, mesocarp fibre, POME), rice husk and pellets, and animal manure.
“The ability to systematically consolidate these feedstocks will enhance economies of scale and unlock significant resource recovery potential,” he said when debating the Sustainable Resources and Wastes Management Bill, 2025, at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (Dewan Undangan Negeri, DUN) sitting today.
Yakub highlighted that the Bill paves the way for the growth of major green industries, including waste-to-energy facilities, biomass energy and pelletisation industries, composting and bio-fertiliser production, circular economy ventures, and green technology services.
“The 1,330 MW of potential renewable energy from sustainable feedstock could power new industrial hubs, stimulate rural economic activity, and reduce Sarawak’s reliance on fossil fuels,” he highlighted.
Speaking on the relevance to his constituency, Yakub said Balingian, with its mix of industrial areas, agricultural zones, and growing township centres, requires modern and enforceable waste and resource management systems to prevent illegal dumping, improve domestic and commercial waste handling, strengthen recycling awareness, and support sustainable practices in new developments.
“This Bill empowers local agencies and communities to manage resources and wastes more efficiently, while creating opportunities for green industry development and circular-economy activities that can uplift Balingian’s local economy,” he added.
He emphasised that the Sustainable Resources and Wastes Management Bill is bold, comprehensive, and future-focused, positioning Sarawak to address environmental challenges and seize opportunities in the global green economy through governance under the new Sustainable Resources and Wastes Management Authority and the Sustainable Resources and Wastes Management Fund. — DayakDaily
