Water emerging as Sarawak’s next exportable commodity

Abang Johari speaking during the ‘A Moment with Premier of Sarawak’ dialogue session held in conjunction with the 2026 Sarawak Budget on Dec 17, 2025.
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By Yvonne T

KUCHING, Dec 18: Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg is exploring the potential of exporting treated water to other countries, positioning water as a strategic commodity alongside the State’s growing green energy portfolio.

During the ‘A Moment with Premier of Sarawak’ dialogue session held in conjunction with the 2026 Sarawak Budget on Wednesday, he pointed out that water is becoming increasingly valuable commodity amid rapid technological advancement.

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He noted that the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has driven the expansion of data centres, which require large volumes of water for cooling purposes.

“Sarawak has a lot of rivers. We can capitalise on this, to produce treated water. With this treated water, we can export it. I am aiming for that,” he said.

The Premier also reiterated his aspiration for Sarawak to become the ‘Star of ASEAN’, highlighting the State’s strengths in renewable energy and its plans to export energy to other ASEAN countries.

With its green energy resources and growing range of high-quality products, Abang Johari said Sarawak is well positioned to share its capabilities with fellow ASEAN member states and emerge as a key regional player. – DayakDaily

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