Sarawak launches hydrogen economy roadmap
Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg launching the Sarawak hydrogen economy roadmap in Kuching on Tuesday (May 13). - ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star
KUCHING: Sarawak has launched a hydrogen economy roadmap to drive the state's hydrogen agenda through 2035 and beyond.
Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg said the roadmap was an important document that would guide policy implementation and the right approach towards developing the hydrogen economy.
ALSO READ: Sarawak to stay on hydrogen roadmap, says Abang Johari
"The hydrogen economy is a new approach to mitigate carbon emissions. It is also our contribution to lessen the effects of climate change.
"We in Sarawak are fortunate that we have the resources to strengthen our position and contribute to global efforts towards net zero emissions by 2050," he told a press conference after launching the roadmap at the hydrogen economy forum here on Tuesday (May 13).
Abang Johari said Sarawak will pursue new technologies to implement the policies listed in the roadmap.
"I think we are one of the first to have a clear roadmap towards a hydrogen economy.
"It's not easy because there are a lot of skeptics out there who are not convinced on the issue of hydrogen.
ALSO READ: Sarawak scales up commercial green hydrogen production - Abang Johari
"But I believe with the technology available, the cost of hydrogen production will be less, and definitely, hydrogen will become the fuel of the future," he said, adding that Sarawak was on the right track.
In his speech earlier, Abang Johari said the roadmap was designed to navigate opportunities and challenges to accelerate Sarawak's transformation into a regionally recognised clean energy powerhouse.
"Scaling hydrogen to commercial levels requires massive capital investment, advanced technology, skilled talent and long-term policy stability," he said.
The Premier also said amendments to the Distribution of Gas Ordinance to regulate hydrogen activities, which were passed in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly in November, came into force on March 1.
ALSO READ: Sarawak's H2 foray is real
The amendments include establishing a legal framework for appointing a hydrogen industry regulator and empowering the state government to impose relevant rates, levies, or charges on hydrogen operations.
Abang Johari said the state Energy and Environmental Sustainability Ministry was working to put in place supporting regulations and guidelines by year-end.
"This regulatory clarity will provide confidence to investors, operators and the public alike, ensuring that the hydrogen economy develops in a safe, structured and sustainable manner," he said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Express
21 minutes ago
- Daily Express
Soon regional renewable hub energy
Published on: Thursday, June 12, 2025 Published on: Thu, Jun 12, 2025 Text Size: Abang Johari said the 2023 amendment to the Sarawak Electricity Ordinance was a significant step in accelerating the development of renewable energy. - Bernama pic KUCHING: Sarawak is forging ahead with its Energy Transition Policy (SET-P), charting a clear path toward a low-carbon and sustainable energy future to support the state's rapid and inclusive development, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg (pic). In a keynote address, 'Renewable Energy Sarawak: Powering Sustainable Growth', delivered by Deputy Minister of Utility (Sarawak Energy Berhad and Petros) Datuk Ibrahim Baki at the 18th International Photovoltaic Power Generation and Smart Energy Exhibition and Conference (SNEC PV) in Shanghai, China, Abang Johari hailed energy security and affordability as the key pillars of the state's long-term development agenda. Advertisement 'Sarawak aims to achieve 10 gigawatts (GW) of power generation capacity by 2030, and 15GW by 2035, positioning the state as a renewable energy leader in the region. 'Sarawak currently has an installed capacity of 5,898 megawatts (MW), with over 60 per cent coming from hydropower, supported by thermal generation to ensure energy security. 'Reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy is essential to meet the growing demands of our people and industries,' he said, as quoted in a Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas) repport. Abang Johari said the 2023 amendment to the Sarawak Electricity Ordinance was a significant step in accelerating the development of renewable energy. Abang Johari also highlighted the state's push for solar energy, citing the successful commissioning of the 50MW Batang Ai Floating Solar Farm in December last year – the first hydro-solar hybrid initiative in Malaysia. 'Sarawak is targeting 1,500MW of solar generation capacity by 2030 and is exploring more largescale floating solar projects in collaboration with regional and international partners. 'We are committed to making Sarawak the 'Battery of Asean' by exporting renewable energy to our neighbours. 'The success of our crossborder electricity export to West Kalimantan in 2016 has spurred plans to expand energy connectivity to Sabah, Brunei, Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore. 'These efforts contribute to the development of an integrated Borneo Grid and, eventually, the Asean Power Grid,' he said. The ongoing SNEC PV Conference features over 3,000 exhibitors representing 95 countries, and serves as a key platform for policy updates, market trends, and global energy stakeholder engagement. Abang Johari also extended an invitation to global industry players to attend the Sustainability and Renewable Energy Forum (Saref 5.0), scheduled to be held in Kuching this Sept 3 and 4. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
The Star
an hour ago
- The Star
Special gifts for your dad
Customers' favourites: Retail Manager Ooi Chye Heang showing a belt and wallet gift set for Fathers Day at Sunshine Mall in Air Itam, Penang. — LIM BENG TATT/The Star GEORGE TOWN: Gifts like wallets, watches and belts never go out of style. But for this Fathers Day, the more sporty dads might appreciate something more chic and dynamic like personalised pickleball paddles, massage gadgets or stylish gym bags. Malaysian Gifts and Premium Association (MGPA) president Ivan Loo said some customers were looking for fitness-related items for their adventurous dads. 'With the recent surge in pickleball's popularity, a personalised paddle is a hot gift right now. 'You can customise the design, colours and text to suit your father's taste, making it a unique and trendy option if he is an active player. 'Massage gadgets and sleek gym bags are also great choices for fitness-loving fathers. 'They will come in handy after a good workout or sweat session. 'These are thoughtful, practical gifts that encourage an active lifestyle,' he said when contacted. Loo said other thoughtful and memorable gift options include custom tumblers, phone cases or gadget organisers engraved with names or meaningful slogans. 'They could also consider practical and modern choices like wireless chargers or smartwatches, which are very popular these days,' he added. Loo said personalised gifts are always appreciated and can easily be found through various online platforms as well as in physical gift stores. He said many MGPA members also offer custom gifting solutions and unique products tailored for the occasion. Meanwhile, classic gifts continue to be in demand for Fathers Day, with shoes surprisingly topping the list, followed closely by wallets and belts. Sunshine Wholesale Mart Sdn Bhd marketing and communications manager Bryan Wong said shoes have become a popular gift choice this year, alongside gift sets that include wallets, card holders and belts. 'We kicked off our Fathers Day promotions at the end of last month, and many customers have come in to buy shoes, sandals or the ready-made gift sets. 'We've marked down prices on shoes, which have proven to be a hit with shoppers. 'Most bring their fathers along to try them on,' he said. Wong added that some customers prefer the convenience of pre-packed gift sets, while others opt to purchase individual items like wallets and belts to personalise their gift. This year, Fathers Day falls on Sunday.
The Star
2 hours ago
- The Star
Smart toilet for Cecil St market
From June 15, the public will have to pay 50sen to use the smart toilet. THE presence of sensors, air quality updates and solar panels look almost out of place in an almost 100-year-old market in George Town, Penang. Walk into the newly built Cecil Street market restroom and you may think you're in an ultra-modern space. On the outside, a screen tells you which booths are occupied, the total number of users and the current air quality. Inside, wooden benches, potted plants, welcoming lighting, fans and sensor-powered flushes all add up to a high-tech toilet break. Tanjong MP Lim Hui Ying, Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Wong Yuee Harng and State local government, town and country planning committee chairman Jason H'ng Mooi Lye to launching for the Lebuh Cecil Smart Toilet at Entrance Hall, Lebuh Cecil Market. ( June 8, 2025 ) ¡°CHAN BOON KAI/The Star In case of an emergency, a panic button is available to ensure safety at all times. The smart toilet, courtesy of Penang Island City Council (MBPP), ensures that marketgoers have a comfortable visit while answering the call of nature. MBPP mayor Datuk A. Rajendran said the upgraded toilet was an important step forward in addressing the standard of facilities at locations like local markets. 'It is solar powered and has motion sensors while the water supply comes from harvested rainwater. 'There is a screen with data displays to indicate air quality, availability (vacancy of toilets) and the number of visitors,' he said during the official opening ceremony at Cecil Street market. Rajendran said the upgrade took five months to complete at a cost of RM462,050. 'There are 11 cubicles – six in the women's toilet, four in the men's toilet and one toilet for the disabled. From June 15, the public will have to pay 50sen to use the smart toilet. 'The original one only had two each and one for the disabled. 'There is a nursing room for mothers and a storeroom as well,' he said. Rajendran said this was the first of three public toilets that would be upgraded in Penang this year. 'The other two are public toilets in Jelutong and Farlim, which will have solar panels and full upgrades. 'There are 72 public toilets in the state and this is the first smart toilet,' he added. The toilet will open from 6am to 10pm. From June 15, there will be a 50sen charge for public use while hawkers and stall operators only need to pay 20sen. These fees will go to a caretaker who is a retiree, not to MBPP, said Rajendra. Present at the smart toilet's opening were Tanjong MP Lim Hui Ying, state local government and town and country planning committee chairman H'ng Mooi Lye and Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Wong Yuee Harng.
