SINGAPORE: Sarawak is exploring new technology capable of processing seawater for carbon trading purposes.

Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg said he has instructed the Ministry of Energy and Environmental Sustainability Sarawak to collaborate with a company from Singapore to explore the new technology.

“This is a new technology and I have asked our energy ministry to collaborate with them.

“If this materialises, it will be the first in the world where seawater is treated and becomes a platform for carbon trading. This is our collaboration with Singapore,” he said.

He said this during an interview with UKAS and TVS after delivering a keynote address at the Philanthropy Asia Summit 2026 held at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Marina Bay Sands on Monday.

Meanwhile, he added that foreign countries are attracted to Sarawak’s success in balancing economic development and environmental sustainability.

The Sarawak Premier explained that the green policies and new technologies implemented by the state government have given Sarawak a positive image internationally.

According to him, the aggressive strategies implemented by the state government in controlling carbon emissions are now being recognised by other countries.

“The world today has taken notice of Sarawak. Otherwise, they would not invite us and ask us to share what we have developed, particularly in renewable energy and the role of new technologies in transforming our economic landscape in line with global development,” he explained.

Also present during the press conference were Deputy Sarawak Secretary (Economic Planning and Development) Dato Sri Dr Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel, Group Chief Executive Officer of Sarawak Energy Datuk Sharbini Suhaili and Acting Chief Executive Officer of Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd Malseni Jamal. -UKASnews