By Karen Bong and Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Oct 21: Given its strength in renewable energy and abundant natural resources, Sarawak will become the hub for the development of the Borneo region, particularly if the proposed Borneo Railway System connecting Sarawak and Sabah with Brunei Darussalam and Indonesia can be materialised.
Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg anticipates the realisation of the Borneo Railway System as the next catalyst for strengthening economic ties within the Borneo region and fostering growth in the Asean region.
“There will be a huge impact on the entire regional area, which would benefit Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei Darussalam.
“So I leave this to the Federal government, which has in principle agreed to conduct a feasibility study on the Borneo Railway System that will serve the whole of Borneo in collaboration with the Brunei and Indonesia governments,” he said.
He highlighted this during the Town Hall Sarawak Agenda #tanyakAbangJo in conjunction with Lan Berambeh Anak Sarawak 2023 at Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) in Kuala Lumpur today.
He was responding to a question from an aerospace engineering student regarding the opportunities Sarawakians should prepare for and seize to contribute to advancing Sarawak’s economy in light of Indonesia’s development of its new capital, Nusantara, in Kalimantan.
Acknowledging that Nusantara development will positively impact Sarawak, Abang Johari said the Indonesian government has communicated with the Sarawak government to explore potential collaborations in the spirit of Asean.
Moreover, he added that Sarawak has embarked on several initiatives with Indonesia, notably in the energy sector, including the supply of electricity to West Kalimantan and Sarawak Energy’s investment in the construction of a hydroelectric dam in East Kalimantan, which will generate energy for Nusantara.
“Sarawak has a 25 per cent stake in the 1,200-megawatt hydroelectric dam project, which has already been launched.
“Additionally, our chambers of commerce have engaged with their Indonesian counterparts, laying the groundwork for collaborative efforts involving the development of Nusantara. It means there is already engagement on both sides of the business communities given the upcoming Nusantara,” he explained.
Leveraging advanced technology and Sarawak’s abundant natural resources, Abang Johari emphasised that Sarawak has the hub and means to produce renewable energy, boasting an estimated 20,000-megawatt potential.
“With these strengths, I believe Sarawak will become the hub for the development of Borneo.
“We want Sarawakian children to be professionals, skilful and knowledgeable in energy and other emerging fields to help and contribute to the growth and advancement of Sarawak,” he added. — DayakDaily
