By Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING, Nov 26: Sarawak and Malaysia have to re-look at their energy requirements and not turn to nuclear sources for energy.
Chief Minister Abang Johari Tun Openg said that Sarawak and Malaysia as a whole have many ways and methods to generate energy.
“For us in Sarawak, the emphasis is on developing our renewable energy sector. We are fortunate that we have many water sources and rivers to build our hydroelectricity dams to generate energy. Now, with these renewable energy sources, we have four hydro dams namely Batang Ai, Bakun, Murum and Baleh,” he said.
“By developing our renewable energy sectors, we can share with our neighbours. We are exporting these energy to Kalimantan, Indonesia, and we are helping Brunei and Sabah,” he added.
Abang Johari said this before officiating at the Radiation Protection Conference and Workshop 2019 at a hotel here today.
He noted that Sarawak is gradually heading towards green energy with renewable energy sources and it need not rely on nuclear sources to provide energy to drive the state’s economy.
Abang Johari said that Sarawak is also emphasising on hydrogen technology and that the state government has allocated funds to research water electrolysis to produce hydrogen fuel cells.
“The future of our energy supply in the state is to try to emit less carbon emission into the atmosphere and to have a cleaner environment,” he said.
He said Malaysia must have the will to have efficient energy sources and as far as Sarawak is concerned on the environment, the state will continue its effort to produce green and clean energy to drive its economy forward.
Earlier, Abang Johari expressed hope that the conference and workshop will further enhance participants’ knowledge in economic activities and development processes which include handling radiation sources.
Malaysian Nuclear Agency director-general, Dr Mohd Abdul Wahab Yusof and Malaysian Radiation Protection Association (MARPA) president, Dr Zulkifli Mohamed Hashim were among those present. — DayakDaily
