KUALA LUMPUR – Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg attended the National Energy Council Meeting No. 1/2026 at the Parliament of Malaysia on Wednesday, 15 July. The session was convened at the Main Meeting Room of the Members of Parliament and Administration Building.
The meeting was chaired by Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim, who underscored the importance of coordinated national energy strategies in addressing Malaysia’s long-term sustainability goals. The gathering brought together senior leaders and policymakers to deliberate on energy security, renewable transition, and climate commitments.
Upon his arrival at Parliament at approximately 8.55 am, the Sarawak Premier was received by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Amar Haji Fadillah bin Haji Yusof. The warm welcome reflected the significance of Sarawak’s role in national energy planning, given the state’s abundant hydroelectric resources and ongoing investments in renewable energy.
Accompanying the Premier were Deputy Minister of Energy and Environmental Sustainability (MEESty) Datuk Dr Haji Hazland bin Abang Hipni, Permanent Secretary of MEESty Datu Abang Ahmad Abang Morni, and Director of the Sarawak Climate and Energy Diplomacy Unit (SACED) Ir. Dr Angelia Liew San Chuin. Their participation highlighted Sarawak’s commitment to advancing energy diplomacy and environmental stewardship.
The National Energy Council serves as a high-level platform for aligning federal and state energy policies. Discussions during the meeting focused on balancing economic growth with environmental responsibility, ensuring reliable energy supply, and accelerating Malaysia’s transition towards cleaner sources.
Sarawak’s delegation emphasised the state’s ongoing initiatives in renewable energy, particularly hydropower projects that contribute significantly to Malaysia’s energy mix. The Premier reiterated Sarawak’s readiness to collaborate with federal authorities in expanding sustainable energy infrastructure and promoting innovation in green technology.
Malaysia has set ambitious targets to reduce carbon emissions and increase renewable energy capacity. The council meeting provided an opportunity to review progress and identify new strategies to meet these objectives. Sarawak’s role is seen as pivotal, given its capacity to generate surplus electricity and explore cross-border energy trade with neighbouring regions.
The presence of SACED’s Director underscored the growing importance of climate diplomacy in energy planning. By integrating environmental considerations into policy discussions, Malaysia aims to strengthen its position in international climate negotiations while ensuring domestic energy resilience.
Observers note that the meeting comes at a critical juncture, as global energy markets face volatility and nations seek to balance affordability with sustainability. Malaysia’s approach, combining federal leadership with state-level expertise, is expected to enhance its ability to navigate these challenges.
The Premier’s attendance reaffirmed Sarawak’s commitment to national priorities while advancing its own development agenda. By engaging directly in policy discussions, Sarawak positions itself as a key contributor to Malaysia’s energy future, ensuring that its resources and expertise are harnessed for the benefit of the wider nation.
The National Energy Council Meeting No. 1/2026 concluded with a shared understanding of the need for continued collaboration between federal and state governments. The outcomes are expected to shape Malaysia’s energy roadmap, reinforcing the country’s commitment to sustainability, economic stability, and regional leadership in renewable energy.
