Abg Jo shares vision for Sarawak’s economic future in business dialogue in Bintulu

BINTULU (July 22): Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg shared his vision for Sarawak’s economic future during a business dialogue session attended by some 1,200 people here today.

Key figures at the Sarawak Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) Renewable Energy Development dialogue included SCCI president Dato Sri Abang Abdul Karim Tun Openg and SCCI vice president and chairman of Bintulu region Tan Sri Dato Paul Koon.

Abang Johari highlighted two significant challenges facing the world today, namely climate change and food security.

He referenced the global acknowledgement of the climate crisis through the Kyoto Protocol of 1997 and Paris Agreement of 2015.

“Currently, the global temperature is 1.45°C above pre-industrial levels. Countries like India, Bangladesh, and parts of Africa are experiencing severe heat waves and floods. If we reach 1.5°C, it will be a dangerous threshold that we cannot survive,” he warned.

He said during his visit to Dubai, he observed differing opinions on the transition from fossil fuels where while some advocated for an immediate shift, others suggested a gradual approach.

He believed Sarawak is uniquely positioned to lead in green energy, particularly hydrogen.

“Sarawak is blessed with abundant rainfall, rivers, and forests that can absorb carbon. Scientists have identified hydrogen as the cleanest energy source,” he said.

He also shared insights from his visit to the Petronas research station in Bangi, where advanced technology is being developed to reduce power consumption.

He highlighted that an Iban scientist from Sarawak is leading efforts to improve this technology.

“We are already producing hydrogen in cooperation with Japan and Korea. Sarawak is the first in the region to produce hydrogen, with a capacity of 250,000 tonnes from Bintulu. Projects like Hibiscus with Korea and Hornbill with Japan are pioneering this new industry,” he said.

Abang Johari added the transition to a green economy presents significant opportunities for the business community.

“Sarawak has the capacity for carbon capture and storage, with 62 per cent of its land covered by forests and abandoned wells suitable for carbon trading.

“Our laws are in place, and the world is now looking at us. This new economy allows everyone to participate,” he said.

He also pointed out Sarawak is also upgrading its port facilities and energy infrastructure.

“All ports are now managed by the Sarawak government, benefiting the business community by allowing local decision-making.

“At the same time, Bintulu will see an upgrade in energy capacity with the construction of a gas turbine, increasing power by 500 megawatts, and eventually adding another 1,000 megawatts. This will bring Bintulu’s total power capacity to 1,500 megawatts,” he announced.

Abang Johari said with support from the business community and continued innovation, Sarawak is poised to tackle the challenges of climate change and food security while driving economic growth.

Meanwhile, Abang Abdul Karim in his speech said Bintulu has undergone much transformation and is currently being developed as a petrochemical hub by the Sarawak government via the State Economic Development Corp.

“Another historic development is the handover of Bintulu Port to the Sarawak government in June this year, which serves as a crucial asset in completing the state’s economic ecosystem,” he said.

Abdul Karim said this port will play an enormous role in the oil and gas industry, its midstream and downstream activities, carbon capture utilisation and storage, and the production of hydrogen and other biofuels.

“Bintulu holds great potential for growth and development and our collective efforts are key to realising this potential,” he said.

He added SCCI has served the business community in Sarawak for over seven decades and will continue to work hard to bring more added value to members for many years to come under the successful and capable leadership of the Premier.