KUCHING – Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, attended the Sarawak Energy & Strategic Partners Iftar Ceremony on 5 March 2026 at a premier hotel in the city.
The programme commenced with individuals breaking fast, followed by the congregation of Maghrib, Isyak and Tarawih prayers led by Dato Haji Mustafa Kamal bin Haji Ahmad Fauzi, who is Sarawak’s Grand Imam.
The event was attended by around 400 stakeholders from across the energy spectrum, indicative of its scale and importance.
This annual ceremony has been hosted by Sarawak Energy for the past few years to build closer ties with its partners and stakeholders.
This initiative falls under a wider commitment from the company to furthering cooperation and sustainable energy sector development.
Officials emphasised that these types of events promote dialogue and strengthen trust between government, business leaders, and members of the regional community.
Notable attendees included Datuk Ibrahim Baki, Deputy Minister of Utilities (in charge of Sarawak Energy and PETROS) and Chairman of Sarawak Energy, and Yang Mulia Dato Seri Paduka Awang Haji Mohamad Azmi Haji Mohd Hanifah, Deputy Minister (Energy) in the Prime Minister’s Department of Brunei Darussalam.
The event was also attended by Datuk Haji Sharbini Suhaili, Sarawak Energy’s Group Chief Executive Officer, as well as the board of directors and senior management members.
Brunei’s senior energy representative at the ceremony reinforced the regional aspect of the event, emphasising that energy development was an area of possible cross-border cooperation.
This is especially important for Brunei and Sarawak, which have long shared commonalities, particularly in the fields of energy cooperation, green renewable energy and resource management.
The presence of the Premier further reiterated the state government’s commitment towards Sarawak Energy’s endeavours.
In recent years Sarawak has made its stake at the forefront of renewable energy, with hydropower being an integral part of their long-term strategy.
The state has also focused on partnerships with neighbouring nations to enhance energy exports and regional energy security.
It was a religious service for us but also a limiting pegging in our professional relationships. This enables Sarawak Energy to exemplify itself as a corporate leader and community partner by intertwining cultural traditions with industry involvement.
The event is a testament to the group’s commitment to inclusivity and collaboration, officials said. It also highlights the part that faith-based gatherings can play in fostering unity and shared mission among a wide range of stakeholders.
As Sarawak continues positioning itself towards an energy future, events such as this iftar reflect the harmony of tradition within progress, a testament to ensuring development is grounded on a community-centric ethos pursuing innovation and sustainability ahead.
