Sarawak's Recognition As Petro-Electro State Attracts Interest Of International Scientists
KUCHING: The recognition of Sarawak as a petro-electro state positions the state as a strategic destination for new technology development and the future energy transition.
Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg said the recognition was accorded following Sarawak's strength in possessing vast renewable energy resources alongside natural gas resources capable of generating energy supplies sustainably.
“There are only a few places in the world that receive such recognition, and Sarawak is one of them because energy plays a highly crucial role in the industrialisation process, starting with the use of coal and steam engines, then transitioning to fossil fuels, and now the world is heading towards renewable energy.
“Sarawak possesses renewable energy resources capable of generating electricity, while we also have gas resources which serve as an important source in energy production,” he noted.
He said this while speaking at the Sarawak Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) Excellence and Service Awards Ceremony here on Friday.
Elaborating further, he explained that most oil-producing nations in the Middle East are often categorised as petro-states, while developed nations like Japan and China are known as electro-states that rely on electricity supplies to drive economic growth.
However, he said, Sarawak holds its own distinct advantage by combining both strengths, thereby qualifying it to be dubbed a petro-electro state.
He added that the state's energy advantages and rich natural resources have also attracted the interest of many international scientists and experts to visit Sarawak to explore collaboration opportunities in research, innovation, and new technology development.
“Because of this, we receive many scientists from abroad who come here and look into the possibilities of sharing their knowledge in terms of new technology,” he added.
Also present were Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Profesor Dr Sim Kui Hian, Deputy Sarawak Secretary (Administration) Datu Felicia Tan Ya Hua representing the Sarawak Secretary, Deputy Minister for Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Datuk Len Talif Salleh, Deputy Minister for Energy and Environmental Sustainability Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni, Sarawak Attorney General Dato Sri Saferi Ali, and Sarawak Environmental Quality Controller, Datu Jack Liam. -UKASnews
