Australia sees Sarawak as a green fuel chapter

KUCHING, 8 Oct: Australia sees Sarawak as an important component in its efforts to develop a low-carbon fuel ecosystem to support the transition of the green shipping industry in the region.

The Second Secretary (Politics and Economics), Australian High Commission in Malaysia, Lachlan McPhee said that the cooperation previously developed with Malaysia is now being extended to Sarawak specifically in forming a green fuel supply chain.

According to him, Sarawak's position in the chemical and fuel industry, besides Malaysia as a regional cargo transfer hub creates opportunities for developing the ecosystem.

"We have been talking with Malaysia for several years and now together with Sarawak about developing a low-carbon fuel ecosystem for green shipping.

"We are really looking at the future needs of the shipping industry and how cooperation between Australia and Malaysia can be strengthened and expanded. Sarawak will be an important part of that effort for us", he said.

He said this at a press conference after making a visit to honour Prime Minister Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg at Satria Pertiwi Complex, here today.

McPhee explained that the cooperation covers green fuel production, control of shipping lanes and supply chain development to meet future needs of the shipping industry.

According to him, Australia has expertise in green and controlled fuel production, while Sarawak has strengths in the chemical industry and fuels that can be used to develop the ecosystem.

Meanwhile, the High Commissioner of Australia to Malaysia Danielle Heinecke said that Sarawak has an important position in Australian-Malaysian relations including on the energy transition agenda, education, trade and investment.

"We also discussed trade and investment including efforts to attract more Australian companies to come and invest in Sarawak's energy sector as well as other transition areas including ports and infrastructure", he said.

Heinecke said that Australia is also working with Sarawak in expanding the transition to renewable energy through hydro pump technology and sharing technical expertise.

He said, educational cooperation was also strengthened with Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus and Curtin University Malaysia in particular on the future skills agenda in line with Sarawak's development vision by 2030.-TVS