KUALA LUMPUR (May 13): Sarawak and Sabah hold immense potential to develop the country’s renewable energy (RE) sector, and to become key suppliers for the Asean region, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.

Fadillah, who is also the energy transition and water transformation minister, highlighted that the development of RE sources such as solar, hydrogen, biomass and biofuels is becoming more important, especially with rising demand for energy in Peninsular Malaysia, as well as dwindling fossil fuel resources and increasing costs of natural gas.

"Given their strategic location and abundant RE potential, Sabah and Sarawak could become key renewable energy suppliers for the Asean region in the future," he stated at a press conference at the Asean Green Hydrogen Conference 2024 on Monday.

In line with this vision, Fadillah said Malaysia is committed to cooperating with its Asean counterparts to push forward regional initiatives, such as the Asean Power Grid, which is aimed to fortifying energy connectivity and security throughout the region.

Through the exchange of resources, knowledge, and technology, he said Malaysia can surmount obstacles, and expedite the adoption of green technologies in fostering a collective stride towards sustainability.

"As we recognise and acknowledge the hurdles ahead, from technological complexities to economic constraints, we remain resolute in our commitment to a flexible and versatile policy framework.

"This framework will ensure an adaptive management and seamless integration of emerging technologies, propelling us forward amid dynamic challenges,” he said during his keynote address. 

Additionally, Fadillah emphasised his ministry's (Petra) commitment to ensuring a secure, sustainable, environmentally friendly, and affordable energy supply for end users. Petra, he said, will continuously work together in proactive collaboration with an array of ministries, notably the Ministry of Economy and the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (Miti), in intricately crafting an environment conducive to nurturing the growth of the country’s energy sector.

“I am honoured to spearhead our nation's endeavours in reshaping not just our energy industry, but also in safeguarding the sustainable management of our invaluable water resources.

“Our unwavering dedication to steer towards a hydrogen-based economy by 2050 mirrors our broader aspirations of attaining global decarbonisation milestones, while igniting economic dynamism through pioneering energy solutions,” he added.