Arab investor explores green energy collaboration with Sarawak

BETONG: Sarawak’s potential in green energy has attracted interest from an individual in an Arab country, who approached Premier Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg to explore possible collaboration in energy production.

Abang Johari said the individual met him after learning that he was in the country following his Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage.

He said the individual highlighted the country’s strong solar potential but noted that battery storage was needed to support solar energy production.

“He said, ‘You are very lucky because over here we have sun, we can execute solar energy, but we need batteries in order to produce solar’,” Abang Johari said when officiating the Sarawakku Sayang programme in Betong today (Sept 26).

The individual also pointed out Sarawak’s combination of rainfall, sunlight and forest resources.

“But I understand your area, you have the rain. At the same time, you have the sun. And I understand you got all the forest. You are very lucky,” Abang Johari quoted him as saying.

Abang Johari said the individual subsequently asked whether they could collaborate and share knowledge on energy production.

He said he had been praying at the time and told the individual that he would meet him later.

Abang Johari said the encounter showed that people outside Sarawak were aware of the state’s potential in green energy.

He said Sarawak had been blessed with abundant natural resources and that the state needed to use its knowledge and capabilities to add value to those resources.

“Others see what we have, but we take it for granted,” he said.

Abang Johari said the Sarawakku Sayang programme was also intended to showcase the resources and strengths available in the state so that people could better understand their potential.

He said Sarawak’s natural resources, combined with knowledge and technology, could support the state’s development as it moved towards a new economic era.

He stressed that Sarawak’s future depended on its ability to make better use of its resources while developing the knowledge and skills needed to support new industries.