By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Oct 22: Sarawak is poised to leverage Malaysia’s chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) next year to expedite the establishment of the Asean Power Grid (APG), according to Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
In a news report by the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas), Abang Johari stated that discussions between Sarawak, Singapore, and Indonesia regarding the energy grid are still ongoing.
The APG is a collaborative initiative aimed at integrating and enhancing the electricity networks of Asean member countries. Its primary goals are to promote energy security, facilitate cross-border electricity trade, and increase access to renewable energy sources across the region.
The Premier mentioned that Malaysia, as Asean chairman, will take advantage of the opportunity to continue more serious discussions and speed up the establishment of the APG.
“This has to be a joint decision among the Asean countries, and we only act as a power supplier. I am sure it will be finalized soon.
“And next year, Malaysia as the Asean chair will start further discussions on this matter,” he said.
He said this in a press conference after attending the Singapore International Energy Week (SIEW) in Singapore yesterday (Oct 21).
Abang Johari also informed that the APG project infrastructure can be implemented in 2030.
“We set a target for the infrastructure to be available by 2030 because laying a submarine cable takes at least three years.
“Another project is towards Peninsular Malaysia, which will increase the ability of Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) to supply renewable energy,” he added.
Joining the Premier at the press conference were Sarawak Minister of Utility and Telecommunication (Mut), Datuk Sri Julaihi Narawi, Sarawak Deputy Minister of Energy and Environmental Sustainability (Meesty), Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni, and Sarawak State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki. — DayakDaily
