To be first in the country, Kuching City to roll out hydrogen-powered buses in July next year

MALACCA, December 11, 2017 -  Kuching would be the first city in the country to have hydrogen-powered buses with the arrival of three from China in July next year as part of the hydrogen research and development programme undertaken by Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB).

Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Openg (third right) and other officials from Sarawak visiting China recently

Chief Minister  Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Openg said the state government was allocating RM10 million for the research programme to be carried out by SEB under its Hydrogen Research Unit.

The allocation would also include the setting up of a plant with foreign expertise to produce hydrogen gas to power the buses.

He made the announcement in his speech during the closing of a three-day retreat for heads of state departments and senior state government officials here yesterday.

He said the acquisition of the emission free buses was part of a long term plan to ensure Sarawak’s public transportation system was run on  a clean energy in accordance with the current world-wide trend to protect the environment.

Abang Johari had previously revealed that the proposed LRT connecting Kuching with Serian, Samarahan and Damai would also be run on hydrogen.

The hydrogen buses would be assigned to agencies including one for tourism as a strategy to attract tourist with Kuching’s environmental-friendly and clean energy image, he told the 170 odd participants.

With such an image, he expressed his belief  that the capital city would have a strong tourist pull factor to enable it to become a tourism gateway, much like Malacca.

Although a small state, Malacca had been serving as an entry point for visitors from various parts of Asia before proceeding  to other parts of Peninsular Malaysia, he added.

Similarly, he said, Kuching and an area up to Serian should be developed to become a tourism hub or anchor area to attract tourists before they would fan out to visit other parts of Sarawak.

He pointed out that in line with current shift towards environmental friendly industries Sarawak should also re-evaluate foreign investments which tend to bring in pollutant emitting industries.

He said although the state’s FDI record might look good by accepting heavy industries, Sarawak would have to pay a price if the industries were polluting the environment.

Later, in the evening the chief minister who was accompanied by his wife Datuk Patinggi  Juma’ani Tun Tuanku  Bujang attended a dinner to mark the closing of the annual retreat.

Also present were  Menteri Besar of Malacca Datuk Seri Utama Idris Haron, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Sarawak State Secretary Tan Sri Datuk Amari Mohamad Morshidi  Abdul Ghani and their wives.