Kuching, June 22, 2025 – The Europe Today: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has highlighted Sarawak’s strategic potential to emerge as the principal energy hub for Malaysia and the broader ASEAN region, citing its abundant energy resources including hydropower, gas, and hydrogen.
Speaking at the state Gawai dinner in Kuching on Sunday night, Anwar said Sarawak could play a pivotal role in the ASEAN Power Grid initiative, which envisions interconnected energy systems across member states.
“Sarawak’s energy potential can be expanded to Sabah, Kalimantan, and the southern Philippines,” he said, expressing confidence that the state’s resources could support cross-border power transmission and regional energy security.
Anwar also announced that he would raise the ASEAN Power Grid proposal in his upcoming informal meeting with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto on June 27. He stated that he had informed Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg of his intent to propose a grid centered in Sarawak for the benefit of both countries.
Present at the Gawai celebration were Sarawak Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, alongside Premier Abang Johari, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, and other federal and state dignitaries.
The Prime Minister further emphasised that the strong ties between the Federal and Sarawak governments provide a solid foundation for addressing critical issues. He noted that national oil company PETRONAS and Sarawak’s state-owned Petroleum Sarawak Bhd (Petros) would collaborate closely to resolve matters related to gas distribution in a mutually beneficial manner.
“The oil and gas industry needs PETRONAS, and Sarawak needs Petros. We need both to work together for Sarawak and for the nation,” he said.
Echoing the Prime Minister’s remarks, Premier Abang Johari reaffirmed Sarawak’s readiness to contribute to the ASEAN Power Grid. “We hope the vision of the ASEAN Power Grid will be realised as a catalyst for economic growth in the region,” he added.
