Premier cites EU model for Asean Power Grid framework, sees S’wak’s bilateral deals as foundation

Abang Johari during a dialogue session at the APGH 2026 in BCCK in Kuching on June 9, 2026. Photo: Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas)

By Emily Ruran

KUCHING, June 9: Asean countries should establish a common framework for the Asean Power Grid to facilitate regional energy connectivity, says Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

Speaking during a dialogue session at the Asia Pacific Green Hydrogen Conference and Exhibition (APGH) 2026 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) today, he said the regional bloc currently has no concrete framework for cross-border energy interconnection.

He elaborated that Asean could take a cue from the European Union (EU), which already has a framework that enables member countries to share energy resources.

“We don’t have to reinvent. We can study what happened in the European Union and use that as a model,” he said.

He added that Sarawak has already started building regional energy connectivity through bilateral collaborations, including supplying electricity to Indonesia.

Speaking to reporters later, he said discussions are also ongoing to supply electricity to Brunei and Singapore, while Sarawak is expanding power supply to Sabah, with the possibility of extending the network to the Philippines.

Abang Johari said these bilateral arrangements could eventually form part of a wider Asean grid once a common framework is established.

“We have to start somewhere. I hope the Asean member states will have a common platform,” he said. — DayakDaily