KUCHING: Sarawak will continue to focus on new economic transition in line with the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, especially promoting the development of renewable energy.

Sarawak Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the recent announcement of cooperation between Japan and Sarawak in the renewable energy sector reflects the policies of Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg which are not only recognised in Malaysia but also internationally.

"We have made great progress in developing Sarawak as a regional green energy hub by implementing several major projects.

"Among them, the newly launched Sarawak methanol plant in Bintulu, the completion of the installation of Malaysia's largest hybrid floating solar farm in Batang Ai, and the construction of a combined cycle gas turbine plant in Lutong, Miri.

"In addition, there are other key catalysts to ensure Sarawak is on a new economic path for the future,” he said when speaking at the 'Majlis Amanat Perdana Premier Sarawak 2025' held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching on Monday.

Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari officiated the programme which was also attended by his wife, Puan Sri Datuk Amar Juma'ani Tun Tuanku Bujang.

Meanwhile, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah said that 2024 has seen several strategic steps, including the acquisition of Affin Bank, the launch of the Sarawak Gas Roadmap, and the establishment of the Sarawak Artificial Intelligence (AI) Centre.

He added that this year will also see the full flow of RM8 billion into the Sarawak Sovereign Wealth Future Fund which has moved beyond planning and is now operational.

With these achievements, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah stressed the importance of safeguarding Sarawak’s rights, particularly regarding its continental shelf boundaries.

He noted that during the recent Sarawak Legislative Assembly sitting, the Sarawak Premier firmly stated that no one can challenge Sarawak's absolute rights over the continental shelf within its boundaries.

He emphasised that Sarawak is merely asserting its claim to what has always belonged to the region as stipulated in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).

"We will continue to fight. I urge all Sarawakians, including civil servants, to stand united and work hand-in-hand with the Sarawak Premier to defend and protect Sarawak's rights, including our continental shelf, to ensure Sarawak’s future prosperity,” he said. -UKASnews