Sarawak’s renewable energy sources draw investors keen to establish data centres

Julaihi addressing a press conference after attending briefing on satellite technology by Measat at a hotel on Aug 2, 2024.

By Karen Bong

KUCHING, Aug 2: Sarawak’s renewable energy generation, primarily from hydropower, is drawing numerous investors, with the Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication (MUT) receiving monthly applications expressing an interest in setting up data centres in the region.

Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi revealed that the Sarawak government is currently reviewing and evaluating the applications submitted to the Ministry, including related agencies such as Sarawak Energy, and the Economic Planning Unit (EPU).

“Sarawak’s renewable energy accounts for 70 per cent of the region’s electricity generation and that is the key attraction for investors.

“We have received quite a number of applications from investors to set up their data centres in Sarawak. In fact, we received applications monthly due to the region’s renewable and green energy,” he told a press conference after attending a briefing on satellite technology by Malaysia East Asia Satellite (Measat) at a hotel here today.

Julaihi welcomed the interest, noting it aligns with efforts to expand data centre facilities using green renewable energy which Sarawak is well known for.

Regarding Starlink, he mentioned that Sarawak is exploring all possibilities on how best to utilise SpaceX’s satellite internet services without compromising private data.

“We want our data to be stored securely within the shores of Sarawak. This is one of the matters raised when we raised inquiries with Starlink.

“Currently we are relying on the construction of telecommunication towers, but as much as we desire the technology to resolve connectivity issues in Sarawak, data security remains our top priority,” he said.

Julaihi added that if Starlink offers advanced technology that will provide interim solutions to extend full network coverage throughout Sarawak, especially rural areas in a short period of time, Sarawak is keen to explore these options.

Acknowledging Sarawak’s challenging topography, he mentioned ongoing efforts to connect rural areas through the construction of 600 Smart towers, complementing MCMC’s initiative under the National Digital Network Plan (Jendela).

“We are making daily improvements to connect inaccessible areas to the internet,” he said.

Deputy Mninister of Telecommunication Datuk Liwan Lagang, Deputy Minister of Utility Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi and SMA general manager Dato Dr Anderson Tiong were present. — DayakDaily