KUCHING: Sarawak’s control over its electricity tariffs makes the state more competitive in attracting foreign investments, thereby creating more high-paying job opportunities for the people.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the state’s strength lies in its renewable energy resources, which allow electricity tariffs to remain lower than those of other competitors.
“Our strength is energy. We focus our economy by controlling energy prices – in terms of tariffs. We decide the tariffs, the cost of electricity, and once your cost is cheaper than your competitors’, investments will come here,” he said.
He said this in his speech at the 2025 Sarawak Bumiputera Entrepreneurs Chamber (DUBS) Award Ceremony at Riverside Majestic hotel here on Saturday night.
Abang Johari added that Sarawak is fortunate to have abundant water resources such as rivers that can be harnessed for hydropower, ensuring a stable and sustainable supply.
“In Egypt, the Nile River is shared with African countries. But we have plenty of rivers, plenty of hydropower, plenty of hydrogen. That is what sustainability in power means, and we use this to develop our state,” he said.
He also said that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has requested Sarawak to become a hub for the ASEAN Grid.
“Some people asked: how can we export energy to other states? We can because we are already ahead.
“By 2030, our power capacity will reach at least 10 gigawatts (GW). What’s wrong with selling it?
“We use it ourselves and sell the rest to other countries. That is why Sarawak will become one of the hubs for the ASEAN grid,” he said.
He said that Sarawak’s strength lies in energy, and with control over power and tariffs, investments will continue to flow into the state.
“When investments come, jobs will be created, and these must be high-paying jobs.
“That is why we are focusing on energy-driven sectors, starting from gas and petrochemicals, and moving into semiconductors,” he added.
At the same event, Abang Johari was also given the honour of presenting Sarawak Bumiputera Entrepreneur Awards (AUBS) to 16 recipients across various categories.
