By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, May 16: Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has urged Sarawak Energy Berhad to consider forming a new organisation within its structure to enhance the State’s energy production and improve delivery to the market.
Speaking during the Sarawak Energy Vendor Excellence Awards 2025 held at a local hotel here earlier tonight, Abang Johari said Sarawak Energy needs to re-examine its structure as Sarawak continues to expand its energy sector, particularly with the separation of energy production as a distinct entity.
“I think I would urge Sarawak Energy technically to study properly, and perhaps you have a new organisation of Sarawak Energy that will boost our energy production between production and supply in the market,” he said.
Abang Johari further called on Sarawak Energy’s board and technical team to study the matter in detail and provide the State government with a comprehensive proposal.
“I hope that you can provide me with a paper (proposal) by the end of this year,” he added.
Earlier, Abang Johari highlighted Sarawak’s ambitious energy transition goals, targeting 10 gigawatts (GW) of power supply by 2030 and 15GW by 2035, with strong emphasis on renewable energy.
He noted ongoing projects such as combined-cycle gas plants in Bintulu and Miri, and solar tests at Batang Ai, with investor interest in floating solar panels expected to boost capacity further.
Looking beyond Sarawak, the Premier said the State is set to become a regional energy hub under the ASEAN Power Grid initiative, supplying electricity to Sabah, Brunei, Southern Philippines, Singapore, and Peninsular Malaysia.
“With expanded power supply, your vendor will also expand alongside Sarawak Energy, potentially entering joint ventures in other regions,” he said, urging vendors to maintain high professionalism and align closely with Sarawak Energy standards.
Among those present were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian; Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi; Deputy Minister for Utility (Sarawak Energy & Petros) and Sarawak Energy chairman Dato Ibrahim Baki; Deputy Minister for Energy and Environmental Sustainability Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni; Sarawak Energy board members Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki and Datuk Idris Buang; Sarawak Energy Berhad Group Chief Executive Officer Datuk Sharbini Suhaili; and Deputy Sarawak Secretary (Economic Planning and Development) Datuk Dr Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel. — DayakDaily
