KUCHING: Sarawak’s selection as a regional hub for the development of new energy, particularly hydrogen, is set to have a significant impact on Malaysia’s economy.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof is optimistic this would not only boost Sarawak’s economy but also benefit Malaysia as a whole.
The centre will focus on producing hydrogen for export to Japan and other countries.
“Hydrogen is a clean energy source, and it could even become an alternative to nuclear energy,” he told the media after attending the Inns of Court Malaysia (ICM) East Malaysia Grand Night 2025 at Borneo Cultural Museum on Saturday (Jan 11).
Fadillah was referring to a recent meeting between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.
During the meeting, both leaders committed to making Sarawak the centre for developing hydrogen energy with the goal of exporting it internationally.
Fadillah who serves as the Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (Petra) asserted that Sarawak’s advanced position in hydrogen technology was a key factor in the state’s selection for this project, with both Japan and South Korea showing strong interest in investing in Sarawak.
He also noted that Malaysia’s collaboration with Japan was driven by Japan’s more advanced technology compared to South Korea.
This new partnership is expected to bring cutting-edge technologies to Sarawak.
As such, he asserted that Sarawak is poised to become a central hub for the hydrogen economy in the Asian region.
