BANGKOK – Water is poised to become the next high-value industrial commodity as global demand for data centres, artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging green technologies continues to grow.
Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, said water will soon play a role equivalent to energy in powering modern industries.
Delivering his keynote plenary titled “Water: Driving Sarawak’s Resilient and Sustainable Future” at the IWA Water and Development Congress & Exhibition at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, he emphasised that water is central to Sarawak’s long-term vision.
“Water is more than a resource, it is a new commodity at the heart of Sarawak’s journey towards a resilient and sustainable future,” he said.
Abang Johari explained that industries worldwide are increasingly dependent on water-based cooling systems to support high-density data processing and AI infrastructure. This reliance, he noted, will elevate water’s value and transform it into a crucial component of industrial energy.
“People are going for new technologies through data centres, and these technologies need cooling systems for water. Because of that demand, the price of water will rise as part of industrial energy,” he added.
He projected that within the next five to ten years, water will emerge as a key element in global industrial transformation.
Beyond sustaining communities, water is also integral to Sarawak’s green energy ambitions, from hydropower generation to future hydrogen production.
“Every step we take towards building a sustainable energy future relies on the prudent management and availability of this vital resource,” he said.
The Premier’s remarks come as Sarawak advances its Water Supply Master Plan and invests in large-scale infrastructure to ensure long-term water security, economic resilience and sustainable development.
Speaking later at a media conference, Abang Johari reiterated that water production is vital for Sarawak’s future economy, particularly as the state embraces modern technologies such as AI and semiconductors.
He noted that countries with abundant water resources may eventually export supplies to nations with limited production capacity.
On environmental protection, he stressed that Sarawak’s water resources should also be harnessed for hydrogen production, supporting the global sustainability agenda and carbon trading initiatives.
He expressed hope that the International Water Association (IWA) would conduct further research on balancing industrial water use with climate solutions.
The event was attended by Ambassador of Malaysia to Thailand Datuk Wan Zaidi Wan Abdullah, IWA Executive Director Dr Kala Vairavamoorthy, Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Sarawak Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi, Sarawak State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Deputy Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Liwan Lagang, and other officials.
