KUALA LUMPUR: The Sarawak government is concentrating on the development of renewable energy sources and dismissing any possibilities of exploring nuclear power plants to generate electricity in the state.

Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg said that as the world embraces the call for sustainable and low-carbon energy sources, renewable energy has emerged as one of the fastest-growing energy generation sources.

He mentioned that there is a significant opportunity for investors to collaborate with Sarawak and expand the clean energy generation sector as all new economic activities will rely on renewable energy sources.

"No, why would we need a nuclear reactor? We have hydro energy (to generate electricity), but if it’s the biomass sector...yes.

"Sarawak's strength lies in the renewable energy sector because the global economy is shifting towards a green economy that requires renewable energy due to climate change," he said.

He made these remarks during a press conference after officiating the MIDA Invest Series - Sarawak Unfolding Its Business Potentials at the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) headquarters here, on Wednesday.

The Sarawak Premier added that with the strength of more competitively generated hydrogen, Sarawak and Malaysia in general could become major players in the global hydrogen industry.

Earlier in his speech, Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari mentioned that in the long run, the use of renewable energy will not only help maintain a clean and sustainable environment but also bring significant economic benefits to Sarawak and Malaysia as a whole.

He explained that besides providing environmental benefits and reducing the negative impact on climate change, the use of renewable energy also offers substantial green economic benefits.

"As Sarawak continues to develop rapidly, the demand for energy sources will undoubtedly increase.

"The growth in demand for electricity is expected to be more significant to meet various industrial, domestic, and even logistical needs," he added. 

Also present at the event were Sarawak Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, Sarawak State Secretary, Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Sarawak Deputy Minister for International Trade, Industry and Investment, Datuk Dr Malcolm Mussen Lamoh, Sarawak Deputy Minister for Energy and Environmental Sustainability, Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni, Chairman of MIDA, Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr Sulaiman Mahbob, and Chief Executive Officer of MIDA, Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid.-UKASnews