Sarawak strengthening new energy strategy as long-term resilience bulwark

KUCHING, April 19 2026: Sarawak is strengthening its new energy strategy as a long-term resilience bulwark, thus increasing the state's preparedness in facing global uncertainties, especially involving fluctuations in fuel prices. 

Caption: Premier and GPS chairman Abang Johari Openg (second from right) at the opening of GPS convention on Sunday.

Premier Abang Johari Openg said that the dependence on conventional fuels such as diesel which is exposed to geopolitical pressures demands an immediate transition to alternative energy sources that are more stable and sustainable.

According to him, current technological advances are also accelerating the potential of hydrogen energy as a more competitive and viable option.

“With today's diesel prices, hydrogen production will be much cheaper than diesel.

“The electrolysis process will be much cheaper because of the new membrane in technology and this diesel with the current geopolitical pressures, I don't think it will end in this era. Problems will arise. I mean, alternative energy will be used and we are lucky. Sarawak is ready,” he said.

He said this at a press conference after the opening ceremony of the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) Convention at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) today.

He added that the readiness was also translated into the expansion of renewable energy use in rural areas, including the solar energy initiative in Baram which previously relied on diesel generators.

Clearly, the implementation of the Sarawak Alternative Rural Electricity Scheme (SARES) based on solar energy not only reduces dependence on diesel, but also helps protect rural communities from the effects of rising fuel prices, thus ensuring that the well-being of the people is maintained.

Also present during the press conference were Deputy Premier Douglas Uggah Embas, Deputy Premier and Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) president Dr Sim Kui Hian, Deputy Premier Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) president John Sikie Tayai, Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) deputy president Henry Harry Jinep and Parti Pesaka Bumi[utera Bersatu (PBB) secretary-general Alexander Nanta Linggi.