Premier: Sarawak aims to export green power to Asean countries, positioning state as regional hub

KUCHING (Nov 10): Sarawak is positioning itself as a regional hub for renewable energy production, with plans to export green power to neighbouring Asean countries as part of the wider Asean Green Initiative, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

He said the state currently generates 70 per cent of its electricity from hydropower and 30 per cent from low-carbon gas.

“With this mix, we hope to share our ‘electrons’ with our neighbours.

“With Japan’s support and technology, we believe we can contribute to greening the planet,” he said, according to the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas).

He said this during the 30th anniversary celebration of the partnership between the Japanese Malaysia Association (JMA) and the Sarawak Forest Department in Tokyo, Japan today.

Abang Johari said Sarawak’s ongoing transition toward a green, low-carbon economy is guided by several landmark initiatives, including the Forest Carbon Activity Rules 2022, the restoration of 200,000 hectares of forest landscape by 2030, the planting of over 50 million trees statewide, and the strengthening of biodiversity protection and conservation areas.

“We believe Sarawak’s forests are not merely economic assets, but a secret trust for future generations.

“Japan remains a valued strategic partner in this mission, particularly through the continued support of JMA,” he said.

Among those present at the event were Malaysian Ambassador to Japan Datuk Shahril Effendi Abd Ghany, Sarawak Forest Department director Datu Hamden Mohammad, and JMA chairman Furuya Keiji.