KUCHING: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg marked the naming of Seri Batang Ai with a river crossing aboard the electric boat today.
Abang Johari arrived at Pangkalan Sapi at about 2.30 pm to officially name Sarawak Energy’s first purpose-built, solar-integrated electric boat in conjunction with Sarawak Regatta 2026.
After a brief photo session aboard, he departed at about 2.40 pm for the regatta grandstand across the Sarawak River.
The 10-metre vessel is designed to support dam safety inspections, environmental monitoring and personnel transport at the Batang Ai Hydroelectric Plant’s reservoir.
Sarawak Energy’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Ruslan Abdul Ghani said the vessel builds on its earlier e-Penambang initiative, progressing from retrofitting a conventional boat to developing a purpose-built electric workboat.
“Seri Batang Ai provides a platform for us to further develop our research and development capabilities, strengthen local engineering expertise, and explore wider applications of clean energy and marine technologies to enhance operational efficiency and advance sustainable mobility solutions,” he said.
Fabricated by local company, Global Fibreglass Industries, the vessel features an electric propulsion system architecture and component layout designed by Sarawak Energy’s in-house research and development team.
Its electric propulsion produces no direct exhaust emissions and reduces noise and vibration, helping to minimise disturbance to the surrounding environment and biodiversity.
It will also transport employees and visitors on technical visits to the nearby Batang Ai floating solar farm.
Powered by twin 40 kW electric outboard motors and a 92 kWh battery system, Seri Batang Ai has an estimated range of 40 to 50 kilometres and an operating duration of approximately three to four hours.
Rooftop solar panels supplement its battery supply, while grid charging is also available. The vessel accommodates up to 12 registered passengers and reaches a maximum speed of 25 kilometres per hour.
Accompanying Abang Johari on the crossing were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, Deputy Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Datuk Len Talif Salleh, and Deputy Minister of Energy and Environmental Sustainability Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni.
Also aboard was Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Regional Development Agency Project Coordination, Kuching North City Hall and Islamic Affairs) Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi.
First showcased during the Batang Ai Hydroelectric Plant’s 40th anniversary celebration in 2025, the vessel received its boat licence and River Transport Permit on October 21.
