By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Oct 19: The Sarawak government is confident that its people’s expertise in renewable and green energy generation will establish the region as a key hub for these sectors in Asean.
Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, however, emphasised that while Sarawak has abundant resources for generating and supplying electricity, it still lacks sufficient expertise.
To become a leading supplier, he stated, it is crucial to harness the talents of Sarawakians skilled in electrical engineering and artificial intelligence (AI).
“We will continue to produce energy that will fuel other economic activities.
“Our current focus is on our ambition to be the primary electricity supplier in this region,” he said during the Sarawak Agenda townhall as part of the annual Lan Berambeh event held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) in Kuala Lumpur, which was broadcast live on the Ukas Channel, today.
Abang Johari further expressed optimism that Sarawak could become a ‘powerhouse’ in energy production, citing the region’s ability to produce and supply energy to neighbouring countries.
“We have plans to share our surplus energy with Peninsular Malaysia, targeting a maximum of 1,000 megawatts (MW), as well as with Singapore,” he said.
He also highlighted Sarawak’s success in supplying electricity to West Kalimantan, Indonesia, as proof of its capabilities.
“We are also investing in East Kalimantan to provide electricity to Indonesia’s new capital, Nusantara.
“With a stable electricity source available for our neighbours, we can truly become a hub in Asean,” he added.
Nearly 3,000 Sarawak students pursuing higher education in various universities in Peninsular Malaysia attended the event. — DayakDaily
