We're determined to be leading regional green economy hub – Abg Jo
Abang Johari speaks to the media on the first day of the Hydrogen Economy Forum (H2EF) 2025 on May 13, 2025. – Bernama photo
KUCHING (May 14): Sarawak is determined to position itself as a leading green economy hub in the region, grounded in the principles of sustainability, innovation, and inclusivity, said the Premier.
Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said a central agenda of the state is the development of a resilient and diversified energy hub, with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim also actively promoting Sarawak's role as a future energy hub during international engagements.
'The renewable energy hub involves Sarawak rich natural resources—hydropower, solar, and biomass—which form the bedrock of our renewable energy strategy.
The H2EF 2025 logo.
'Through Sarawak Energy Berhad, we have already established strong cross-border interconnections such as power exports to West Kalimantan, and works are underway to expand supply to Sabah and Brunei, while technical planning and study are currently being undertaken on interconnection to Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore, respectively,' he said.
He said this in his keynote address at the Hydrogen Economy Forum (H2EF) 2025 here yesterday.
In regards to the natural gas hub, Abang Johari said with nearly 60 per cent of Malaysia's natural gas reserves located in Sarawak, the state government is leveraging this critical resource through the Sarawak Gas Roadmap.
'The roadmap outlines the development of four major gas hubs in Miri, Samalaju, Bintulu, and Kuching, designed to support domestic industrialisation and meet export market demands.
'As natural gas is globally recognised as a transition fuel, it plays an increasingly important role in global decarbonisation strategies, and Sarawak intends to maximise its value responsibly,' he said.
On the carbon capture and storage (CCS) hub, the Premier said Sarawak, which holds over 65 per cent of Malaysia's total geological carbon storage potential, is well positioned to become a regional leader in CCS—a critical technology in the global transition towards net-zero emissions.
Addressing climate change, the Premier said it is not merely an environmental issue but a global crisis affecting every aspect of human life—from economic stability to public health, and most critically to food and energy security.
'The impacts of a changing climate are profound. Rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and shifting rainfall patterns threaten agricultural production and disrupt food supply chains worldwide.
'Food security—the fundamental right of every human being—is increasingly at risk. At the heart of addressing both climate change and food security lies the urgent need for energy security.
'Without sustainable, reliable, and affordable energy, efforts to strengthen food systems, build resilience and support communities will falter.' Abang Johari Tun Openg Hydrogen Economy Forum hydrogen hub
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