14-05-2025
Premier: Sarawak on track in hydrogen pursuit
Abang Johari performs the gimmick to launch H2EF 2025. – Photo by Roystein Emmor
KUCHING (May 14): Sarawak is playing its part in introducing new technologies for the state to implement policies under its hydrogen economy roadmap, said Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
The Premier said despite having a clear roadmap, there are still many sceptics who are not convinced by it.
'But I believe with the technology available, and I was informed that there is a global company having a plant that can reduce the cost of hydrogen production, meaning in terms of cost, it will definitely be reduced and hydrogen will become the fuel of the future,' he said.
Speaking at a press conference after officiating at the launch of the Hydrogen Economy Forum (H2EF) 2025 here yesterday, Abang Johari expressed confidence that Sarawak is on the right track in its hydrogen pursuit.
The H2EF 2025 logo.
He disclosed that his recent visit to the London School of Economics (LSE) was to engage LSE on exploring means to reduce the production cost of hydrogen.
Sarawak, he added, is fortunate because it is blessed with an abundance of natural resources for it to strengthen its position and contribute to the world's approaches towards Zero Carbon status by 2050.
Earlier in his keynote address, Abang Johari explained that the Sarawak Hydrogen Economy Roadmap is a strategic guide that will drive the state's hydrogen agenda through 2035 and beyond.
'This roadmap will serve as our compass—designed to navigate both opportunities and challenges as we accelerate Sarawak's transformation into a regionally recognized clean hydrogen powerhouse.'
He also announced that the state will once again host the Asia Pacific Green Hydrogen (APGH) Conference and Exhibition from June 9 to 11 next year.
'Building on the momentum of our first edition, APGH 2026 promises to be even more impactful, bringing together global thought leaders to drive collaboration, innovation, and investment in clean energy.
'Sarawak is not merely adapting to the future , we are shaping it. We are leading Southeast Asia into a hydrogen-powered era, laying the foundation for a cleaner, greener, and more prosperous tomorrow,' he said.
The Premier said as hydrogen projects continue to expand across Sarawak, the state government has taken bold steps to ensure the safe and responsible development of this emerging industry.
This includes the passing of the Distribution of Gas (Amendment) Ordinance on Nov 11 last year, which now includes provisions dedicated specifically to regulating hydrogen activities.
The ordinance came into force on March 1 this year, with the Ministry of Energy and Environmental Sustainability entrusted to oversee its implementation.
'The ministry is now working diligently to ensure the supporting regulations and guidelines are in place by the end of this year.
'This regulatory clarity will provide confidence to investors, operators, and the public alike, ensuring the hydrogen economy develops in a safe, structured, and sustainable manner,' he said.
Meanwhile, the H2EF saw exchanges of memorandums of understanding between SEDC Energy and NGLTech (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd; Unimas and Bureau Veritas; and Sarawak Petchem and HighChem.
It also witnessed the unveiling of Alliance Bank's Sarawak SME ESG Report titled 'Navigating ESG in Sarawak: Insights from SMEs'. Abang Johari Tun Openg hydrogen economy Hydrogen Economy Forum roadmap
