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By Wilfred Pilo and Karen Bong
KUCHING, June 7: Sarawak’s strengths lies in its utilisation of green energy which would empower the creation of eco-friendly products and services, and this would warrant a premium price.
Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg emphasised this after launching the Smart Solar PV and Green Hydrogen Testbed at Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak (Centexs) headquarters here, which he believes can be expanded to rural and remote areas to significantly improve the lives of rural communities and also support the development of cottage industries.
“This is a very innovative solution to supply power to rural and remote areas, which can support the development of cottage industries to produce products like biscuits and so on that will give additional income to our rural people.
“Our advantage lies in the use of renewable and green energy and this means green products and services. So the price should be premium,” he said when addressing attendees at Green Energy Symposium and Exhibition Sarawak (GEES) at Centexs headquarters today.
Abang Johari also highlighted that Sarawak’s healthcare sector should go green with hospitals powered by environmentally friendly sources.
“As such, our healthcare sector should adopt new ways that are eco-friendly. Our hospitals should leverage advanced technologies.
“We can offer green services and capitalise on our rich biodiversity. The government now placed emphasis on research and development (R&D) through the setting up of an infectious disease research centre costing about RM290 million,” he added.
During a press conference later, Abang Johari pointed out that Sarawak has seven more years to enhance the transformation of its entire economic ecosystem towards achieving a high income economy based on green principles by 2030.
“As a tropical region, Sarawak is blessed with natural beauty and resources, which serve as sources for generating green energy and driving the green economy. The key lies in the application of technology and the proper training of our workforce to prepare Sarawak towards the green future,” he said.
Deputy Premier Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian, Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Julaihi Narawi, Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Urban Development, Datuk Len Talif Salleh, Deputy Minister of Talent Development Datuk Francis Harden Hollis, Deputy Minister of Telecommunication Datuk Liwan Lagang, Centexs chairman Tan Sri Mohamad Morshidi Abdul Ghani and Centexs chief executive officer Syeed Mohd Hussien were among those present. — DayakDaily
