Premier woos global investors for Sarawak’s clean energy drive

Abang Johari (seated centre) in a photo with attendees at MINTRED Connects in London on Dec 8, 2023. Photo credit: Ukas

KUCHING, Dec 9: The Sarawak government welcomes foreign investments, including those from Britain, in the clean energy sector to enhance the value of Sarawak’s abundant resources and foster economic prosperity for its people.

Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg pointed out that Sarawak’s Post Covid Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 is formulated among others to open up Sarawak to greater cooperation and collaboration with potential foreign investors.

“Sarawak, with its vast resources, is especially keen to attract investment in the clean and renewable energy sector as this would be the energy of the future in the energy transition.

“We (Sarawak) will prioritise investments focusing on clean and green energy and technology sectors that would create economic prosperity, social inclusivity and environmental sustainability,” he said when officiating at the MINTRED Connects in London yesterday (Dec 8).

The programme is an initiative by the Ministry for International Trade, Industry and Investment (MINTRED) to promote investment in Sarawak which had previously been held in Guangzhou and Beijing, China this year in collaboration with Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Martrade) and Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA).

Abang Johari (back row, centre) witnessing the exchange of MoU between Fame International Consulting (MM2H) Sdn Bhd and Salsa San Limited during MINTRED Connects in London on Dec 8, 2023. Photo credit: Ukas

The Premier also shared Sarawak’s ongoing exploration into value-added clean energy ventures, such as hydrogen production and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) based on microalgae.

He informed British entrepreneurs about Sarawak’s substantial potential in hydropower, boasting 20 gigawatts, and expressed eagerness to explore energy sources from wood pellets.

Abang Johari, acknowledging the importance of sustainable and competitive development in the clean energy sector for global economic growth, conveyed Sarawak’s commitment, as reflected in his recent attendance at COP28 in Dubai.

Despite Sarawak being classified as a high-income region in Malaysia by the World Bank, he stressed the need to translate this into high household income by adding value to the region’s wealth of resources.

The event also witnessed the signing of several Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) between Sarawak and British entities.

These agreements included collaborations between Fame International Consulting (MM2H) Sdn Bhd and Salsa San Limited, Fine Impression and Crafito Arts & Film Academy London Ltd, InvestSarawak Sdn Bhd and WWIP Ltd, as well as Leonard Design Architects and Penan Women Project (P.W.P Company).

Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hassan, Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohd Abu Bakar Marzuki, Deputy Minister for International Trade, Industry and Investment Datuk Malcom Mussen Lamoh, Deputy Minister for Energy and Environmental Sustainability Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni and key government departments and agencies’ heads were among those present. — DayakDaily