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By Nur Ashikin Louis
BINTULU, June 10: Sarawak will look into algae cultivation in Bintulu and other areas following the success in producing the world’s first sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from algae.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the pilot project conducted in Sejingkat, Kuching, has successfully produced algae-based fuel that does not emit carbon.
He informed that the algae-based fuel has also been blended with jet fuel at a contribution of 10 per cent to power up the latest aircraft carrying Abang Johari during his recent trip to Langkawi.
Thus, he was confident that Sarawak had a bright future in producing the fuel for aircraft and called for Bintulu to be part of the areas to cultivate algae.
“Not only Bintulu, but other areas also can (cultivate algae) because the conditions for the cultivation are that firstly, there must be sunlight; secondly, (there must be) carbon; and thirdly, (there must be) water. All three of these must exist.
“Other states may have problems in terms of carbon. This is because we can import and store carbon,” he said during a dinner in conjunction with Bintulu-level 60 Years Sarawak Merdeka celebration held at Parkcity Everly Hotel here earlier tonight.
In commemoration of the 60th anniversary of Sarawak’s inclusion in the formation of Malaysia, Abang Johari highlighted the importance of cooperation and unity among the multiracial and multireligious communities in Sarawak to allow the younger generations to focus on finding new ideas to develop the State for the next 60 years.
He also said Sarawak is lucky that its progress augurs well with the world’s green economy agenda and that Prime Minister Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim even acknowledged Sarawak for being the most advanced in the green economy compared to other states in Malaysia.
“That is why today, we commemorate the past 60 years of what we have worked for.
“Who knows, tomorrow we might build an aircraft too. We are already producing the fuel for planes; what’s left is creating the aircraft.
“Thus, this is what we may achieve in the future if we look after our unity,” he emphasised.
Also present were Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar; Minister in the Premier’s Department Datuk John Sikie Tayai; Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom; Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah; and Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki. — DayakDaily
