Abang Johari: Sarawak on track to lead in hydro, hydrogen energy

MIRI (April 11): Sarawak is on the right track to becoming a pioneer in the use of cheaper hydro and hydrogen energy compared with diesel, particularly amid the ongoing crisis in West Asia, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

Abang Johari said that this forward-looking approach is aimed at safeguarding the state’s energy security while ensuring economic stability, especially during periods of global crisis or uncertainty in fuel supply.

In this regard, he noted that Sarawak is well-positioned, with sufficient energy resources to support and accelerate the state’s economic development.

“Today, people are concerned about diesel. We are fortunate because we have already been utilising our hydro energy, which was initiated by previous leaders and continued by the current leadership, including myself and friends in the Cabinet.

“We have gone further—not only with hydro energy, but also alternative energy. Recently, I conducted a study based on current diesel prices and found that producing hydrogen is actually cheaper than diesel,” he said in his speech at a dinner with the community leaders at Limbang Civic hall in Limbang on Friday night.

Abang Johari said that in the past, hydrogen prices were high, but due to the Iran–United States conflict, prices have come down.

“This shows that Sarawak has chosen the right energy sources to stimulate and successfully transform the state’s economy,” he said.

He added that the energy produced is more competitive and sustainable, reducing dependence on fossil fuels that are vulnerable to international crises.

He noted that this approach would enable Sarawak to maintain a stable energy supply, strengthen investor confidence, and further empower the regional economy.

On another note, Abang Johari said the state government plans to develop a connectivity system linking Limbang and Lawas via a new road through Gunung Buda, connecting to Mulu and subsequently to Marudi, both within the Baram parliamentary constituency.

“This is a long-term plan to stimulate economic growth. All this can be implemented successfully due to strong unity and leaders who are able to work together. Although these projects require substantial funding, Sarawak’s revenue has increased several-fold over the past six years.

“With these funds, we are developing ecosystem infrastructure that benefits the people, while continuing to focus on infrastructure and education development,” he said.

Abang Johari also said Sarawak enjoys political stability and strong racial unity, setting an example for other states.

“This is Sarawak—a family under one roof. If you pinch the right thigh, the left thigh feels the pain. If one community feels the pain, all communities feel it. That is the spirit of close brotherhood within our multi-racial society,” he added.

Also present at the dinner were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, Deputy Minister of Transport Datuk Hasbi Habibollah, Deputy Minister of Modernisation of Agriculture and Regional Development Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail, Batu Danau assemblyman Dato Paulus Palu Gumbang and Limbang Resident Unus Tambi.