KUCHING: The introduction of the Distribution of Gas (Amendment) Bill signifies Sarawak's ambition to lead Southeast Asia’s shift towards green energy, with a particular emphasis on the development of a hydrogen economy and the goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

Tamin Assemblyman, Christopher Gira Sambang, highlighted Sarawak's commitment to a sustainable future, positioning hydrogen as a key component in its clean energy strategy, particularly for transportation and industrial applications.

“Hydrogen is viewed as a clean energy solution for transportation and industrial use. Our government is not only promoting hydrogen production but also actively seeking foreign investment and collaborations to support hydrogen generation projects,” Gira said.

He made these remarks while debating the Distribution of Gas (Amendment) Bill, 2024 during the first day of the 19th Sarawak Legislative Assembly Sitting on Monday.

Gira further elaborated that Sarawak’s vision to become a leader in the green hydrogen economy aligns with global advancements in clean hydrogen technology.

The state’s focus on hydrogen positions it to be at the forefront of the clean energy transition, both regionally and internationally.

Sarawak is also set to begin exporting hydrogen produced from renewable energy sources by 2030, leveraging its substantial hydroelectric power capacity, which currently stands at 3.5 gigawatts, with an additional 1.3 gigawatts under development.

Gira emphasised that Sarawak’s Premier has been a strong advocate for the potential of hydrogen to decarbonise key economic sectors, a crucial step toward the state’s goal of achieving high-income status by 2030.

Also present on the first day of the 19th Sarawak Legislative Assembly Sitting were Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, Sarawak Deputy Premiers, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and Datuk Amar Professor Dr Sim Kui Hian, Sarawak Cabinet Ministers, Sarawak Secretary, Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Sarawak Attorney General, Dato Sri Saferi Ali, Sarawak Financial Secretary, Dato Sri Dr Wan Lizozman Wan Omar, Sarawak Deputy Ministers, Deputy Sarawak Secretary (Economic Planning and Development), Dato Sri Dr Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel, Deputy Sarawak Secretary (Operation), Datu Hii Chang Kee, and Sarawak Assemblymen. -UKASnews