KUCHING – Sarawak’s Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg has emphasised the state’s unique role in driving Southeast Asia’s green industrial future, citing its dual strength in renewable hydropower and natural gas.
Speaking at the Grand Opening of the SWG Green Complex and Decarbon Hub on 15 June, he described Sarawak as an “electro-petro state”, a term increasingly used in global energy circles to define economies that combine traditional energy resources with low-carbon electricity generation.
The Premier noted that the global energy landscape is shifting rapidly, with industries worldwide under pressure to decarbonise.
He explained that Sarawak’s ability to harness hydropower alongside natural gas places it in a strategic position to support this transition.
“Sarawak is fortunate because we have both low-carbon gas resources and renewable hydropower, placing us in a unique position to support this transition,” he said.
Abang Johari stressed that energy alone is not enough to ensure competitiveness. He highlighted the need for industries to adopt environmentally sustainable manufacturing processes.
Using steel production as an example, he explained that green energy must be matched with green production methods to create products that qualify for premium markets.
He pointed out that international regulations, particularly in Europe, are increasingly imposing carbon levies on goods produced through carbon-intensive methods.
This, he said, makes decarbonisation not only an environmental responsibility but also an economic necessity.
Sarawak has already made significant progress in this area. One of its key achievements is the recognition of Bintulu’s Transitioning Industrial Cluster (TIC) by the World Economic Forum as one of only 30 low-carbon industrial clusters worldwide and the first in Malaysia.
The Premier described this recognition as proof that Sarawak is on the right path in building a sustainable industrial ecosystem that can serve both Malaysia and the wider ASEAN region.
He also congratulated SWG Green on the establishment of the Green Complex and Decarbon Hub, expressing confidence that the facility would accelerate Sarawak’s industrial decarbonisation agenda.
The Premier said the hub would strengthen Sarawak’s position as a regional centre for sustainable manufacturing and innovation.
The Premier’s remarks underline Sarawak’s ambition to balance its role as a natural gas supplier with its growing reputation as a renewable energy leader.
By combining resources and technology, the state aims to position itself as a model for green industrialisation in Southeast Asia.
