18-06-2025
Sarawak on right track in hydrogen push, says deputy minister after Aberdeen visit
Dr Hazland speaks during the 10 Million Lost-Time Injury (LTI)-Free Man-Hours Achievement Ceremony organised by IoT Management Sdn Bhd (IOTM) at the BCCK today. – Ukas photo
KUCHING (June 18): Sarawak is on the right track in developing its hydrogen industry, said State Deputy Minister for Energy and Environmental Sustainability, Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni.
He made the remarks following a recent working visit to Aberdeen, Scotland – a city that has spent the last decade developing its hydrogen infrastructure, during the 10 Million Lost-Time Injury (LTI)-Free Man-Hours Achievement Ceremony organised by IoT Management Sdn Bhd (IOTM) at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) today.
According to a Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas) report, he said Aberdeen, with a population of around 240,000 – similar to Bintulu – has successfully transitioned into a major oil and gas hub while proactively embracing hydrogen as an alternative energy source.
'Our visit to hydrogen storage and distribution facilities in Aberdeen revealed a thriving ecosystem, including hydrogen-powered vehicles and public transportation.
'Notably, 11 fuel stations are already receiving and dispensing hydrogen for vehicles,' he said.
'I asked them why they built so many hydrogen stations, and their answer was straightforward. Their oil and gas reserves are depleting and may be exhausted within 20 to 25 years.
'Therefore, they must transition to alternative energy sources urgently,' he added.
He also highlighted Aberdeen's Energy Transition Zone (ETZ), established five years ago, as a potential model for Sarawak.
The ETZ integrates green spaces and bicycle paths to benefit local communities, aligning with corporate social responsibility (CSR) values.
'This is exactly what we intend to introduce in our industrial zones in Sarawak. This is how it should be done, and it aligns perfectly with our Sustainability Master Plan,' he said.
Separately, the Demak Laut assemblyman also lauded IoT Management Sdn Bhd (IOTM) for achieving 10 million Lost-Time Injury (LTI)-free man-hours – equivalent to about 19 years without a single workplace accident.
'In a high-risk industry like this, achieving such a milestone is no easy feat. It demands consistent leadership, stringent operational systems, and, most importantly, a safety-first approach that prioritises human life,' he said. Aberdeen Dr Hazland Abang Hipni hydrogen
