By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Oct 30: Only one of the 17 research and development (R&D) projects submitted under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) received approval from Malaysia’s Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (Mosti).
Highlighting this, Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg expressed hopes that the Federal government will allocate sufficient funding for R&D in Sarawak, particularly in the new green economy.
“New economic development demands high-level R&D, which, in turn, requires significant funding,” he stated in a speech delivered by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas during a townhall meeting on the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) with the Sarawak government at a local hotel today.
The townhall event, organised by the Malaysia Ministry of Economy and attended by Economic Minister Rafizi Ramli and Deputy Minister Dato Hanifah Hajar Taib, addressed policies, challenges, and developmental aspirations for Sarawak.
With Sarawak now at the forefront of green economic initiatives, Abang Johari emphasised the focus of developing renewable energy sources, including hydro, hydrogen, solar, cascading power systems, biomass (including microalgae for Sustainable Aviation Fuel or SAF), wave kinetic energy, and Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC).
These low-carbon initiatives will be supported by carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS) activities.
“This requires substantial investment in infrastructure and technology. Therefore, we hope the federal government will provide allocations for infrastructure, logistics, technology, and innovation development to support the green energy sector,” he urged.
Abang Johari also called for federal support to establish Sarawak as a regional logistics hub, noting the region’s strategic position could enhance its role in the global and Asean supply chain.
“This necessitates the development of ports with modern infrastructure and technology that meet international standards, including deep-sea access and green practices, positioning Sarawak as a regional green fuel hub,” he explained.
The Premier highlighted that Sarawak has been identified by the federal government as a satellite launch site and has the potential to develop into an aerospace hub, attracting investments in aircraft component manufacturing and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services.
Moreover, he envisions promoting specialised training academies and collaborations with leading aerospace companies, as well as creating infrastructure to support aerospace activities, such as airports and logistics facilities, and the production of specialized composite chip designs for the aerospace industry. — DayakDaily
