By Karen Bong
KUCHING, July 15: Sarawak is positioning itself not only as a regional energy hub but also as a future water supply hub to support economic growth across the ASEAN region.
Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said Sarawak’s abundant river resources, combined with advancing purification technologies and the completion of its statewide Water Grid, could create new opportunities for water to become a strategic economic resource.
“Sarawak’s ambition is not only as a hub of energy, but as a hub of water supply to move the economy, at least for the ASEAN region. And that is where our future is,” he said in his keynote address entitled “Strengthening Global Collaboration for Water Security and Sustainable Development” at Borneo International Water & Wastewater Exhibition & Conference (BIWWEC) 2026 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) today.
Abang Johari said Sarawak had already demonstrated its ability to share energy resources with neighbouring regions, including Indonesia, Singapore, Peninsular Malaysia and Brunei, and envisioned a similar approach for water resources.
He said the region’s extensive river systems provided a unique advantage as Sarawak explored the potential of treating water as a new commodity.
“After the completion of our State Water Grid that can cover the whole of Sarawak, the next move is to use technology to purify our water in our rivers and become a commodity for export,” he said.
The Premier said reliable water supply would become increasingly important as industries such as artificial intelligence, data centres and advanced manufacturing expand, as these sectors require both energy and water resources.
“While you need energy, you also need water,” he said.
He added that Sarawak’s approach would focus on responsible resource management, environmental sustainability and regional cooperation, ensuring that any future water-related development balanced economic opportunities with ecological protection.
Earlier in his keynote address, Abang Johari said the transformation of Sarawak’s water sector could not be achieved by government alone and required collaboration with private investors, financial institutions, technology providers, research institutions and water operators.
“Sarawak welcomes partners who share our vision of developing innovative, resilient and sustainable water solutions.
“Together, we can unlock new opportunities for investment, accelerate innovation and build a water future that supports economic growth while safeguarding our resources for generations to come,” he said.
Abang Johari said future regional cooperation on water resources would require engineering innovation, scientific assessment and careful consideration of environmental sustainability and climate resilience.
“Water connects us all. It transcends borders, industries and generations.
“By strengthening collaboration, deepening innovation and upholding our shared responsibility, we can build a future where water security is achieved, sustained and shared by all,” he added. — DayakDaily
