KUCHING: Newly sworn-in Deputy Minister for Utility (Sarawak Energy Berhad and PETROS) Datuk Ibrahim Baki has pledged to contribute towards Sarawak’s energy ambitions.
He said his focus will be on advancing the Sarawak Gas Roadmap and strengthening the state’s role in renewable energy.
Ibrahim, who took his oath of office before Governor Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, said his immediate focus would be to understand the full scope of his new role.
“For the first three months, I have to study the actual details of my responsibilities. While I have a basic idea, I need to clarify the jurisdiction to ensure there are no overlaps.
“The Premier has already mentioned the need to coordinate efforts in the oil and gas sector through PETROS, in line with the Sarawak Gas Roadmap.
“He also stressed the importance of renewable energy, with the goal of positioning Sarawak as the leading player in the Borneo grid and strengthening its role in the energy sector,” he said.
He told the media this after the ceremony at Astana Negeri Sarawak today.
The Satok assemblyman noted that Sarawak is positioning itself as a key player in the development of the Asean Power Grid, with plans to significantly enhance its renewable energy capacity and export capabilities by 2030.
He said that Sarawak is already supplying electricity to Kalimantan, with plans to expand connections to Brunei and Sabah.
“The transmission of the grid is ongoing, and we hope to begin exporting energy to Singapore as part of our plans.
“An announcement regarding this will be made later this year, along with plans for an undersea cable connection to Peninsular Malaysia.
“With these connections, we aim to integrate into the broader Asian grid, positioning Sarawak as the ‘Asian battery’,” he added.
On his appointment, Ibrahim expressed gratitude to Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg for the trust given to him.
“This is not a privilege, but a trust and responsibility. Our goal is to collaborate and ensure Sarawak’s continued and sustainable progress,” he said.
Ibrahim, who is also the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) DUN chief whip, was recently elected as Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) vice-president during the party’s triennial general meeting last month, where he secured the highest votes among six candidates.
A lawyer by profession, Ibrahim has vast experience in various sectors, including legal, corporate, property development, shipping, and media.
He also serves as the chairman of Sarawak Energy Berhad.
