By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Dec 18:Sarawak is exploring opportunities for collaboration with Japan in the transfer and exchange of technology within the e-methanol industry that would play a crucial role in mitigating carbon emissions.
In a news report by Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas), Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg highlighted that e-methanol is a key driver in efforts to reduce carbon emissions, particularly in energy-intensive sectors.
“Here in Japan, it’s more complex because they want to produce synthetic gas. In Sarawak, we have natural gas, so we don’t face the same challenges as Japan. We already have the raw material. What we need is (the) technology that can use gas as a feedstock to produce new products.
“Our situation is different from Japan’s, but we can produce hydrogen for Japan. This means Japan will invest in Sarawak and set up factories here, as certain processes are no longer required, reducing production costs in Sarawak,” he said.
He made these remarks during a visit to the Tokyo Gas Yokohama Techno Station today, where he was met by Tokyo Gas deputy president Kentaro Kimoto. The briefing included hydrogen production and the e-methanol synthetic fuel process, followed by a tour of the facility.
Abang Johari further emphasised that Sarawak is fortunate to be endowed with abundant natural resources, providing an alternative energy solution for advanced countries like Japan.
“What I see now is that Sarawak has a unique advantage. While Japan lacks synthetic gas, we have abundant natural gas—methane—right here in Sarawak.
“Currently, we’re using methane resources mixed with carbon dioxide to create raw materials for products derived from this gas,” he said.
Accompanying the Premier on this visit were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi, Deputy Minister of International Trade, Industry, and Investment Datuk Dr Malcolm Mussen Lamoh, Deputy Minister of Energy and Environmental Sustainability Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni, Sarawak Attorney General Dato Sri Saferi Ali, Sarawak Financial Secretary Dato Sri Dr Wan Lizozman Wan Omar, Deputy Sarawak Secretary for Economic Planning and Development Dato Sri Dr Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel, and senior government officials. –DayakDaily
