KUCHING: As Sarawak advances its economic transformation, particularly in green-based industries, businesses and industry players are urged to be ready as investment opportunities come knocking.
In urging this, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg expressed hope that the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sarawak (ACCCIS) would work closely with the state to realise its development goals.
He said ACCCIS could collaborate with potential investors while the government would play a facilitating role.
“Actually, the door (investment opportunities) is now knocking at us. So, I hope ACCCIS, we can work together.
“The moment the door knocks. I call you, and you talk to them (investors). That way, your joint venture comes in,” he said this when officiating at the ACCCIS 60th anniversary gala dinner held at Imperial Hotel here last night.
Abang Johari said Sarawak has moved from its early dependence on timber to downstream activities and is now on track towards green and hydrogen-based industries while acknowledging the business community also diversified its economic activities over time.
“The world is facing issues of carbon emissions, and it really had an impact on the whole economy, so much so, that temperatures exceeded the 1.5-degree Celsius threshold.
“What is the solution? The solution is to control and mitigate carbon emission and in return, we have to provide clean energy. That is why I look at Sarawak and where its strength is,” he said.
Highlighting Sarawak’s renewable energy capabilities, Abang Johari pointed to the state’s major hydropower sources – Bakun, Murum, and Baleh dams which collectively contribute 70 per cent to Sarawak’s electricity generation mix.
“While we maintain 60 to 70 per cent green, the balance of 30 to 40 per cent must come from other sources, and this is where solar and gas turbines through the combination of gas and hydrogen come in,” he said.
He added that Sarawak is fortunate to have abundant water resources, which allow hydrogen production through the electrolysis process.
“With new technology which could help in the cost production of hydrogen, this also gives Sarawak an advantage to become a major hydrogen producer in the region.
“We are already working with Japan to produce hydrogen, and we are the first in this region to use hydrogen in our public transport system,” he said.
He also noted that Sarawak can also extract hydrogen from methane (CH4) by separating the carbon and hydrogen to generate hybrid energy.
“In other words, our economic policy must be based on our strength and that is energy.
“It’s not just for export. Industries need energy to manufacture their products. If we offer competitive power tariffs and a sustainable energy supply, investors will come,” said Abang Johari.
