Latest news with #Asean-level
Borneo Post
21 hours ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Unity Govt leadership council meeting discusses Sarawak's role in regional cooperation, border security
(From left) Anwar is seen in discussion with Ibrahim, Abang Johari, Fadillah, and Dr Sim. — Photo from Office of the Premier of Sarawak KUCHING (Aug 20): Sarawak's strategic role in regional cooperation and issues concerning its borders were among the key points of discussion at the Unity Government Leadership Consultative Council Meeting in Putrajaya yesterday. A post on Sarawakku – the Premier's official Facebook page – said Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg attended the meeting with other state leaders. Chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at Kompleks Seri Perdana, the meeting brought together federal and state leaders, including Deputy Prime Ministers Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Dato Sri Fadillah Yusof. The meeting discussed strengthening economic strategies, ensuring policy coordination among coalition parties, and reviewing the government's mid-term performance. 'In addition, the meeting also focused on Sarawak's strategic role at the regional level, especially as the host of several Asean-level events, which showcase the state as an important player in international cooperation. 'The discussion also touched on issues related to Sarawak's borders, which have great importance from the security, geopolitical, and cross-border trade perspective,' added the post. Abang Johari, accompanied by the Sarawak delegation, arrived at Subang Airport at 12.30pm yesterday from Kuching before proceeding to the meeting venue. Among those in the delegation were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian; Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah; Deputy Minister for Utility(Sarawak Energy and Petros) Datuk Ibrahim Baki; and chief political secretary to the Premier Datuk Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman. Sarawakku also cited a media statement by Unity Government Leadership Consultative Council Secretariat chief Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, who said the meeting stressed the importance of tabling Cabinet decisions before the Council as a platform for joint consultation and policy coordination, while respecting the diversity of views among coalition parties. The meeting also focused on the Mid-Term Review of the Unity Government's achievements currently being undertaken by the Cabinet before being presented to the Council.
New Straits Times
10-08-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
DBKL mulls gazetted sites for rallies in KL
KUALA LUMPUR: Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) is open to gazetting specific locations in the city centre for the holding of peaceful assemblies and demonstrations in the future. Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Dr Maimunah Mohd Sharif said the proposal was being considered as the capital is often chosen as the venue for such events. However, she said the designated sites must first be discussed in detail with the top management of the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories). "We need to have comprehensive discussions (on gazetting designated locations for peaceful assemblies and demonstrations) as DBKL falls under the (jurisdiction of the) Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories). "This matter will be brought up for further deliberation, and details of the location will be announced later," she said at a press conference after officiating the Asean Cultural Parade @ Kuala Lumpur Car Free Morning (KLCFM) here today. Yesterday, thousands gathered at Dataran Merdeka here to show solidarity with the Palestinian people through the Malaysia Bangkit for Gaza Assembly. On July 26, the opposition-led rally organised by Pas was also held at Dataran Merdeka, drawing an estimated 18,000 participants, according to the authorities. The event drew controversy after 20 tonnes of rubbish were reportedly left behind by participants, based on figures from the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Corporation (SWCorp). Maimunah added that DBKL is also prepared to work with relevant parties to draft specific standard operating procedures (SOP) for peaceful assemblies and demonstrations in the capital. "I see that all gatherings already have existing SOPs, such as those related to safety. "This includes SOPs for booking event venues. "However, there is no specific SOP for peaceful assemblies (as of now), and this proposal may also be brought to higher-level discussions," she said. Separately, Maimunah said the KLCFM also marked the start of a series of key Asean-level conferences taking place in the capital this week, involving delegates from across the region. Among these, she said, is the Asean Sustainable Urbanisation Forum, which serves as a platform for city representatives to share experiences in smart technology adoption, green development, low-carbon solutions, and efficient resource management. She said the Asean Governors Mayors Forum will also gather governors and mayors from Asean member states. "These conferences aim to strengthen cooperation between cities through discussions on fair, inclusive, and responsive approaches to climate change and community needs. "The Meeting of Governors and Mayors of Asean Capitals will serve as an official gathering of capital city leaders in the region to discuss shared issues such as waste management, housing, public mobility, public health, and contributions to achieving development goals by 2045. "The combination of these three programmes cements Kuala Lumpur's position as a leading city actively driving development cooperation with a vision of being greener, more open, and ready to face future challenges," she said.
New Straits Times
10-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Sarawak premier proposes regional collaboration in hydrogen certification
KUCHING: Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg has recommended cooperation among Asean members in certain areas to create a joint hydrogen certification platform. Speaking at the World Hydrogen Asia 2025 in Tokyo on July 10, Abang Johari said Sarawak was developing its own certification platform aligned with international standards to ensure transparency and traceability. He suggested this could serve as a model for regional efforts. "This platform can be a stepping stone for broader regional collaboration to potentially establish an Asean-level certification platform for hydrogen," he said. He also urged member states to explore shared infrastructure, including export terminals and storage facilities, and to co-invest in training and research. "We must build not only facilities, but also skills and knowledge ecosystems. Shared research and development, joint training programmes, and innovation clusters will accelerate our collective transition in technology and human capital exchange," he said. Abang Johari said Sarawak, though only a subnational region, has a global mindset with strong intention to drive actions. He said the Sarawak Hydrogen Economy Roadmap (SHER) was launched earlier this year to position the state as a cost-competitive and scalable hydrogen producer. He added that Bintulu has been selected as the site of Malaysia's first Transitioning Industrial Cluster (TIC) – a prestigious initiative led by the World Economic Forum.
The Star
10-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Sarawak to develop hydrogen certification under state's energy roadmap
Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg delivering his keynote address at the World Hydrogen Asia conference in Tokyo on Thursday (July 10). KUCHING: Sarawak is developing its own hydrogen certification platform to boost trade and strengthen buyer confidence in hydrogen, says Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg. The Sarawak Premier said the certification would be aligned with international standards to ensure transparency and traceability. "This platform can be a stepping stone for a broader regional collaboration to potentially establish an Asean-level certification platform for hydrogen," he said in a keynote address at the World Hydrogen Asia conference in Tokyo on Thursday (July 10). Abang Johari also said the hydrogen certification platform was part of the Sarawak Hydrogen Economy Roadmap, which aimed to position the state as a cost-competitive, reliable and scalable hydrogen producer. He said collaboration was key to the success of the hydrogen economy, particularly in Asia. Besides the certification platform, he called on countries in the region to work together on infrastructure, technology and human capital exchange. "Rather than duplicating assets, let us explore co-investments in export terminals, storage facilities and conversion plants that benefit multiple countries in Asean and Asia-Pacific. "We must build not only facilities but also skills and knowledge ecosystems. Shared research and development, joint training programmes and innovation clusters will accelerate our collective transition," he said. Expanding on the hydrogen economy roadmap, he said that Sarawak planned to scale up hydrogen hubs to achieve economies of scale for long-term viability. "At the same time, we are accelerating domestic applications, particularly in transport and industrial use, to create immediate demand and ensure local value creation. "Sarawak is also working tirelessly to secure long-term international offtake agreements, providing the confidence investors need to commit at scale. "And critically, we are investing in technology and innovation, because we know continuous improvement is key to staying competitive in a rapidly evolving energy landscape," he said.
Borneo Post
10-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Abg Jo: Sarawak to develop own international standard Hydrogen Certification Platform
Abang Johari delivers his keynote address at the World Hydrogen Asia 2025 in Tokyo. – Screenshot from TVS livestream KUCHING (July 10): Sarawak will develop its own Hydrogen Certification Platform aligned with international standards, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. The platform is part of Sarawak's broader strategy as the state positions itself as a regional hydrogen hub. 'To support market integrity, Sarawak will establish its own Hydrogen Certification Platform, aligned with international standards to ensure transparency and traceability,' he said in his keynote address titled 'Sarawak's Hydrogen Vision: Catalysing Green Growth for Asean and Beyond' at the World Hydrogen Asia 2025 in Tokyo, Japan, today. 'This platform can be a stepping stone for a broader regional collaboration to potentially establish an Asean-level certification platform for hydrogen.' The certification platform is one of five strategic priorities outlined in the Sarawak Hydrogen Economy Roadmap (SHER), launched earlier this year. The Premier said SHER is a structured and ambitious plan aimed at positioning Sarawak as a cost-competitive, reliable, and scalable hydrogen producer. Sarawak's approach is backed by renewable hydropower, natural gas reserves, solar energy, and carbon capture potential, giving the state a unique advantage, he said. 'Today, our electricity is primarily generated from clean, firm, and affordable hydro energy — forming the backbone of our energy system. 'This monumental shift away from fossil fuels has yielded a remarkable 72 per cent reduction in our grid carbon emissions between 2010 and 2023, and it is now enabling Sarawak to lead Malaysia's charge in advancing hydrogen as the fuel of the future,' he said. He stressed the state is focused on creating hydrogen hubs to achieve economies of scale, accelerating domestic applications, and securing long-term international offtake agreements. 'We believe that hydrogen is not just a clean molecule—it is a connector. It connects energy to climate, industry to innovation, and nations to opportunity,' he said. With Bintulu's selection as the site for Malaysia's first Transitioning Industrial Cluster (TIC), an initiative by the World Economic Forum, he said Sarawak has been placed alongside 35 industrial clusters across 16 countries. 'This is a powerful recognition of Bintulu's strategic potential and Sarawak's commitment to clean industrial transformation. 'The TIC initiative brings together public and private stakeholders to co-develop innovative, low-carbon solutions – reducing CO2 emissions, spurring green growth and creating future-ready jobs,' he said. Abang Johari pointed out Sarawak is already implementing green hydrogen initiatives, including the Rembus Hydrogen Plant, which will supply green hydrogen to the Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS), powering 38 ART trams and 55 feeder buses. The state also operates multi-fuel stations and hydrogen-powered transport, while rural communities benefit from hydrogen innovations. Abang Johari said Long Loyang clinic – Malaysia's first hydrogen-powered hybrid clinic – operates 24 hours a day using energy from sunlight and rainwater. He proposed three areas for regional collaboration: certification, shared infrastructure and technology, as well as human capital exchange. He called for countries to avoid fragmented efforts and move towards harmonised policy frameworks, shared standards, and coordinated investments. 'We believe that hydrogen is not a race to win, but a journey to share. A journey that allows emerging regions like Sarawak to contribute meaningfully to global decarbonisation while creating jobs, opportunities, and partnerships. 'So let us catalyse green growth together. Let us harmonise our pathways, reduce duplication, and build a hydrogen future that works not just for one country, but for the entire Asean region—and beyond,' he added. abang johari Hydrogen Certification Platform tokyo World Hydrogen Asia 2025
