Sarawak may need to introduce new laws to regulate wireless energy transfer

From left: Awang Tengah, Johari, Awang Bemee, Abang Johari, Mohamad Asfia and Dr Sim photographed during the opening ceremony of Conference of Speakers of Parliament and State Legislative Assemblies of Malaysia at Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) Complex, Kuching on Sept 13, 2024. Photo credit: Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas)

By Shikin Louis

KUCHING, Sept 13: Sarawak may need to introduce new law provisions to regulate wireless energy transfer, says Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

He noted that with new technological advancements, energy could be channelled to other places without the need to use cables or wires.

“Meaning that the transfer of power (electricity) from house A to house B to house C does not use cables nor grid; it will use new technology such as ‘power banks’.

“This new technology is currently under research. Following this, Sarawak will also conduct similar research and this means that our laws should be amended. Otherwise, there will be cases of people stealing energy,” he said in his speech at the opening ceremony of Conference of Speakers of Parliament and State Legislative Assemblies of Malaysia held at Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) Complex here today.

Speaking to reporters afterwards, Abang Johari explained that the ongoing research on the new wireless technology is currently undertaken by Siemens Ltd and Swinburne University of Technology in Australia.

“It is just like the Internet, like WiFi. If this becomes a reality, we will have to draft new law provisions that are relevant to the current situation.

“Otherwise, the transfer of energy without cables would be illegal. If this happens, we need to have an ordinance to regulate the power generation,” he elaborated.

Asked whether the new laws would be tabled at Federal or State level, he said it would depend on the respective jurisdictions.

“If it falls under the Federal jurisdiction, we will depend on the federal laws,” he added.

Also present were Dewan Negara president Dato Awang Bemee Awang Ali Basah, Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Dato Johari Abdul, DUS Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar and Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian. — DayakDaily