MANILA: Sarawak needs greater integration with the ASEAN economy to strengthen its position in the regional economic chain, particularly through the energy and resource-based industries.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said Sarawak had a significant advantage in terms of energy resources which could serve as a key driver of the state’s economic development and support the growth of new industries.
He said energy was among the key factors determining the direction of economic development, adding that Sarawak’s resources needed to be strategically utilised to meet future needs.
“Energy is among the most important factors in determining the direction of economic development, therefore Sarawak needs to strategically utilise the resources it possesses to meet future needs,” he said.
He said this during a fireside chat at the Asian Development Bank (ADB) headquarters in Manila today (Sept 8), according to TVS.
Abang Johari also highlighted the importance of the ASEAN energy grid in strengthening energy connectivity and integrating the economies of ASEAN countries.
He said the effort required a common framework, including legal provisions, to enable cross-border energy sharing to be carried out more effectively.
He added that Sarawak had a long-term development vision extending to 2030 and 2035, with the energy sector serving as one of the key foundations in achieving these targets.
Additionally, Abang Johari also said Sarawak would continue working with the Federal government on matters requiring joint coordination while exercising the state’s jurisdiction based on the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
He also highlighted Bintulu’s potential as an emerging low-carbon industrial cluster, which could create opportunities for Sarawak to attract more investment and industries prioritising clean energy and low-carbon production processes.
“Sarawak’s development policy is increasingly shifting towards an approach that combines economic growth with environmental sustainability,” he said.
According to him, Sarawak aimed to provide sustainable energy supplies to industry players to ensure the state remained competitive and capable of participating in a global market that increasingly emphasised sustainability standards.
He added that greater economic integration with ASEAN and the strengthening of the energy sector would be among the key factors in ensuring Sarawak continued to grow as a competitive economy in the region.
