By Ashley Sim and Karen Bong
KUCHING, Aug 11: Sarawak has launched the Sarawak Energy Transition Policy (SET-P), a transformative blueprint to steer the State towards a low-carbon, secure and inclusive energy future, which Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg says is the only policy of its kind in Malaysia.
Unveiling the policy at the ‘Public-Industry Engagement Day and Launching Ceremony of the SET-P’ organised by the Ministry of Energy and Environmental Sustainability (MEESty) Sarawak at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here today, Abang Johari said the SET-P is a comprehensive, coordinated framework to transform Sarawak’s energy sector.
“It brings together all existing strategies under a unified framework and addresses the energy trilemma, ensuring energy security, promoting environmental sustainability, and maintaining economic affordability,” he said.
By 2050, the policy is projected to contribute RM550 billion in cumulative GDP, create over 80,000 high-paying jobs, and attract between RM580 billion and RM700 billion in investments.
Importantly, more than 75 per cent of the income generated is expected to benefit low- and middle-income groups, ensuring the energy transition is both transformative and inclusive.
The SET-P is anchored on seven strategic pillars: renewable energy; natural gas; energy efficiency; low-carbon mobility; clean hydrogen; carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS); and alternative energy. These are supported by five key enablers, namely strong governance and regulation; innovative financing and investment; robust infrastructure; technology and innovation; and skilled and adaptive workforce development.
Abang Johari explained that energy transition opportunities in Sarawak fall into three broad categories. The first is commercially viable projects with market-rate returns, such as utility-scale solar, hydropower, grid modernisation, and much of the State’s natural gas infrastructure. The second is public good initiatives with no direct financial returns, including workforce upskilling, public awareness programmes, and sustainable urban transport systems. The third is emerging solutions with below-market returns, such as clean hydrogen and CCUS, energy efficiency, and low-carbon transport.
“Some of the critical infrastructure required to enable Sarawak’s natural gas hubs, such as transportation terminals, access roads, and supporting logistics may also fall into the sub-commercial or below-market return category.
“While these assets are essential to unlocking long-term value, they may not offer sufficient returns to attract private capital on their own.
“As such, strategic government intervention will be necessary to move them forward,” he added.
According to a press handout, the SET-P aligns with the Sarawak Sustainability Blueprint 2030 (SSB 2030), introduced in May this year, which outlines 10 strategic thrusts for sustainable growth, with energy transition as the top priority.
It also complements the Sarawak Hydrogen Economy Roadmap (SHER), which charts the development of the entire hydrogen value chain, from cost-effective production and infrastructure to innovation, certification, and workforce readiness.
“Together, the SET-P, SHER, and SSB 2030 form an integrated policy framework to position Sarawak as a leader in renewable and low-carbon energy development in the region,” the handout stated.
The milestone event gathered over 500 participants from government, industry, academia, and civil society to exchange ideas, strengthen partnerships, and align efforts for a greener future.
The event was attended by various dignitaries and officials, including Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar, MEESty Deputy Minister Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni, and Sarawak State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki. — DayakDaily
