Sarawak to export more power to Kalimantan Barat under Asean Power Grid initiative, says Premier

Borneo Post

24-04-2025

Abang Johari (centre) and Tiong on his left join delegates in posing with the signature 'Asean Way' handshake during the opening ceremony. – Photo by Mohd Faisal Ahmad
KUCHING (April 24): Sarawak is preparing a new plan to increase electricity exports to Kalimantan Barat as part of the broader Asean Power Grid initiative, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said Sarawak has been supplying electricity to Kalimantan Barat since 2016 and is now negotiating higher transmission volumes.
'In terms of renewable energy, we (Sarawak) have been identified by our Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) that we contribute to the Asean Power Grid. At the moment, we are supplying power to our neighbour Indonesia and sister state Sabah.
'Now, we are working together with the governments of Brunei and Singapore where we will supply our energy to our neighbours in Singapore and, of course, Peninsular Malaysia.
'In other words, this is part of the Asean grid and we have been supplying our power to Kalimantan Barat since 2016 and there is a proposal to increase the power generation,' he said when officiating at the 33rd Asean Socio‑Cultural Community (ASCC) Council Meeting here today.
Abang Johari emphasised Sarawak's commitment to developing sustainable energy solutions, highlighting the state's growing energy production capabilities.
'You may be asking, why can we send power to our neighbour and whether Sarawak has enough or not. Of course, we have to look after ourselves.
'At the moment we are consuming 6GW, by 2030 we are increasing to 10GW, and by 2035 we are looking into a target of 15GW, and this energy is based on hydro, solar, as well as using hydrogen. This becomes renewable energy that we share with our neighbour countries in Asean,' he said.
Abang Johari also highlighted Sarawak's commitment to environmental preservation.
'Talking about the environment, it is very much closely related to us and we have to protect our environment. We have over five million hectares of permanent forests. We cannot disturb this. We want to protect and share with the world,' he said.
He pointed out two sites in Sarawak – Mulu National Park and Niah National Park – have been recognised by Unesco.
'And perhaps good to mention Kuching (Sarawak Delta Geopark) has been declared a geopark, one of the geoparks in Malaysia, and we are preserving this for the future generations.'
Abang Johari also invited Asean members to visit Sarawak's museums, which have incorporated digital innovations to enhance the experience and understanding of the state's diverse culture and history.
'We hope this will allow people to understand the rich culture in Sarawak.
'Thank you for choosing Kuching as your venue; integrating our culture and economic bond between member countries of Asean,' he added.
The Asean Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Council Meeting is a scheduled ministerial-level meeting organised twice a year to discuss key socio-cultural issues in the Asean region.
Supported by the Senior Officials Committee for the ASCC (Soca) meetings, ASCC advances Asean's socio-cultural agenda through regional projects, cultural exchange, and partnerships with international organisations.
The 38th Soca Meeting and 33rd ASCC Council Meeting, which run from April 22-26 here, are hosted by the federal Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture.
Among those present were Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Dato Sri Tiong King Sing and Asean Secretary-General Dr Kao Kim Hourn.