KUCHING: Malaysia and Japan are set to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in May, with Sarawak playing a key role.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the partnership will focus on the production of ammonia and hydrogen, with Sarawak contributing its resources to the project.
“We have a major project where we will produce hydrogen using the MCH (methanol-to-hydrogen) process and the cyclohexane process to generate liquefied hydrogen for energy.
“Additionally, hydrogen, when mixed with carbon, will produce synthetic gas, which can also serve as a new energy source.
“The Japanese Prime Minister has asked Sarawak to collaborate in producing ammonia, and we will further use feedstock hydrogen,” he said.
He said this during the ‘Eight years with Premier Sarawak’ townhall session at Hikmah Exchange and Event Centre Kuching last night (Jan 13).
Abang Johari recalled his recent visit to Japan, where he discussed the urgency of transitioning to clean energy.
Noting that Japan imports liquefied natural gas (LNG), he said energy experts told him that in five years, oil and LNG will become sunset industries.
“If the decline happens, there must be an alternative. This alternative is energy that does not affect the climate — clean energy,” he added.
He also pointed out Sarawak’s natural advantages in this transition.
“In Sarawak, we have Batang Ai, Baleh, Murum, and Bakun — abundant water resources. We can extract water, break it down through electrolysis, and generate energy.
“While this process is expensive now, Japan is working on new electrolyser technology that will lower costs by 2030,” he said.
Abang Johari expressed gratitude for Sarawak’s resources and emphasised the state’s potential to lead in clean energy development.
“For all we know, Sarawak could be the next Saudi Arabia — this time, not for oil, but for clean energy.”
