Sharbini has brought about a major transformation in Sarawak Energy

KUCHING, 8 Oct: Sarawak Energy Berhad underwent significant transformation under the leadership of Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Datuk Sharbini Suhaili, including successful takeover of RM2.5 billion worth of Bakun Hydroelectric Plant from the Federal Government.

Sarawak Premier, Datuk Seri Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the acquisition of Bakun was among the initial tasks given to Sharbini as Sarawak sought to regain control over the energy assets.

"The first thing I gave to Dato Sharbini was that we might have to get Bakun back to Sarawak. That was the first assignment SEB received when I negotiated with the federal government to take over Bakun.

"Thanks, we did it. Dato Sharbini and his team continued to negotiate the price and we finally managed to get a not so bad price when we took over Bakun with a value of RM2.5 billion", he said while addressing Dato Sharbini Suhaili's Farewell Dinner at the Sheraton Hotel, here, on Wednesday.

Brother Johari said Sharbini was also given responsibility for continuing the development of the Eleventh Dam as part of efforts to increase Sarawak's power generation capacity.

Sharbini also responded to the challenge of developing hydrogen when asked to explore the potential of the energy source.

"I asked Grandpa Sharbini, can you produce hydrogen? He said yes. I gave him the job, and we were able to produce hydrogen.

"Aunt Sharbini took it as a challenge and he and his team succeeded", she said.

Brother Johari said Sarawak Energy is also exploring the development of damming systems on several rivers, including Gat River and Baleh in Kapit, as well as expanding energy connectivity through Borneo Grid.

He said Sarawak Energy is also currently engaged in efforts to connect the energy system with Borneo, Indonesia and Brunei, as well as exploring potential connections to Singapore and Peninsular Malaysia through regional power grids.

He said Sharbini also played a role in highlighting Sarawak internationally through its involvement in various energy related forums.

"In any organization, leaders need to have the courage to transform and set goals. I think Datuk Sharbini did it in Sarawak Energy as we see today", he said.

Sharbini will terminate his contract as CEO of Sarawak Energy Group at the end of October and will be replaced by Dato Ruslan Abdul Ghani from 1 November. -TVS