Global player eyeing investment opportunities in Sarawak: Abang Jo

KUCHING: A major international player with a strong global standing is currently exploring investment opportunities in Sarawak, with a visit by its representatives expected within the next two weeks.

Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the company was not a small player, but had a strong global presence and ranked highly on the Forbes list.

“It cannot be disclosed yet, but there is a major international player that is now looking at Sarawak.

“In the next two weeks, some of them will come to look at Sarawak, and it is not a small company,” he said.

He was speaking at the appreciation dinner here on Wednesday (Oct 7) for Sarawak Energy Group chief executive officer Datuk Sharbini Suhaili, who will retire on Oct 31.

Abang Johari said the development reflected growing international interest in Sarawak’s investment potential, particularly amid the transformation of the state’s energy sector.

He said changing global energy requirements, particularly the growing demand for cleaner energy sources, had created opportunities for Sarawak to leverage its renewable energy resources and gas reserves.

“The entire economic landscape has changed because they need green energy, and if not green energy, blue energy. That is why we are negotiating and making preparations to utilise the gas reserves that we have,” he said.

He also said Tanjung Embang is set to be developed as a gas hub under the Sarawak Gas Roadmap, forming part of the state’s efforts to maximise the use of its gas reserves.

“We are developing Tanjung Embang, and part of it will be a gas hub at Tanjung Embang,” he said.

According to Abang Johari, the gas hub would complement other energy sources such as hydropower, solar and biomass while supporting the state’s energy requirements and economic growth.

He said improved connectivity, including a newly opened bridge and upgraded road infrastructure, would further support the development of Tanjung Embang.

“The entire area will be developed as a gas area under the Sarawak Gas Roadmap.

“That is why we see gas as another energy source, and this will bring investment and investment proposals to Sarawak,” he said.