TOKYO: The Sarawak government is set on establishing its own Hydrogen Certification Platform, aligning with international standards to ensure transparency and traceability, thereby supporting market integrity.

Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, stated that Sarawak is also working diligently to secure long-term international sales and purchase agreements. This initiative aims to instil confidence in investors for large-scale investments.

He further elaborated that the state government has taken proactive steps by launching the Sarawak Hydrogen Economy Roadmap (SHER). This long-term plan targets Sarawak becoming a cost-competitive, reliable, and scalable hydrogen producer.

"Crucially, we (Sarawak) are investing in technology and innovation, recognising that continuous improvement is key to competitiveness in the ever-evolving energy landscape.

"These initiatives are underpinned by strong drivers, governance, infrastructure, funding, workforce development, and regulatory clarity. This combination forms a realistic yet transformative platform, enabling Sarawak to emerge as a regional hydrogen leader," he added.

The Sarawak Premier made these remarks during his keynote address titled 'Sarawak’s Hydrogen Vision: Catalysing Green Growth for ASEAN and Beyond' at the World Hydrogen Asia Conference 2025, in Tokyo, Japan, on Thursday.

Speaking at a press conference afterwards, the Sarawak Premier explained that the Sarawak government is exploring the possibility of establishing a joint certification platform that would be adopted at both ASEAN and international levels.

He clarified that these standards must align with global benchmarks because, in the long term, they will also catalyse what is known as the voluntary market for carbon exchange.

"Based on this roadmap, we have mapped out our path and direction to move forward, utilising hydrogen as a renewable energy source that is accepted not only at the ASEAN level but also globally, ultimately being recognised by the world, given that this is an entirely new energy source," he said.

"The question now rests on the value we bring. What's important now is that we must possess the appropriate technology, and we also have the strength. I've mentioned shared technology and shared infrastructure. Ultimately, the benefits will be shared by all parties," he concluded.

Accompanying him were the Malaysian Ambassador to Japan, Dato' Shahril Effendi Abd Ghany; Sarawak Secretary, Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki; Sarawak Deputy Minister for Energy and Environmental Sustainability, Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni; Deputy Minister for Utility (Sarawak Energy and Petros), Dato Ibrahim Baki; and Deputy Sarawak Secretary (Economic Planning and Development), Dato Sri Dr Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel. -- UKASnews