KUCHING: Sarawak has emerged as an energy powerhouse on the international stage, to the extent that it was specifically highlighted during Malaysia’s bilateral discussions with Japan on long-term gas supply security, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He said Sarawak’s growing role as a regional energy hub was among the key matters raised during his recent meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, reflecting the confidence foreign nations have in the state’s energy potential.
“I met the Prime Minister of Japan two weeks ago, and she requested a 20-year long-term agreement to secure gas supplies because of their confidence in us.
“I informed the Premier earlier that she specifically mentioned Sarawak. Imagine this — I travelled to Tokyo as Prime Minister for a bilateral meeting, and I did not leave that discussion without emphasising the importance of supporting economic activities in Klang Valley, Johor and Penang.
“But I also specifically highlighted the emerging new power — the energy giant in Sarawak,” he said when speaking at the state-level Gawai Dayak dinner here on Sunday (Jun 21).
Anwar said the development demonstrates how Sarawak is attracting increasing global attention through the rapid growth of its energy sector over the past several years.
He added that Sarawak’s position as a major energy producer not only benefits the state but also strengthens Malaysia’s standing as a trusted energy supplier in the region.
According to him, Malaysia is currently receiving growing interest from foreign countries seeking long-term assurances of energy supply.
In a related development, Anwar said that Russian President Vladimir Putin had also provided assurances of long-term energy supplies to Malaysia following their recent meeting.
He said the understanding covers uninterrupted supplies of oil, gas and diesel for a period of 20 years to meet both domestic requirements and re-export needs.
“During my discussion with President Putin, whom I have now met for the second time, I requested long-term guarantees on energy supplies.
“He gave that assurance, and we reached an understanding on uninterrupted supplies for 20 years to meet the country’s needs as well as for re-export purposes,” he said.
