KUCHING: Getting the population to understand and embrace the idea of a green, sustainable environment is a challenge, says Datuk Dr Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel.
The Sarawak Economic Planning Unit (EPU) director noted that Sarawakians are still skeptical about such a concept.
“We noticed that in our last visit to Rotterdam, the Europeans especially, are investing billions of dollars in green economy, whereas our people here are still skeptical about hydrogen, which is a green economy.
“I remember when this idea was mooted by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg in 2017, nobody believed him or could imagine the vision that he had, which is the importance of hydrogen economy.
“However, when introduced in 2018, I recalled that one of the tasks assigned to me was to explore hydrogen economy, and Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) was one of the first choices to implement the idea,” he elaborated.
Abdullah said this during a discussion on “Opportunities in the Domestic Industry and Energy Value Chains” as part of the Sarawak-Korea Energy Business Forum here today.
He went on to say that SEB had been very foresighted, exploring hydro dams and renewable energy.
Abdullah further pointed out that Sarawak was actually carbon negative, based on a study conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers through UK Partnering for Accelerated Climate Transitions.
“To put it in simpler words, we are breathing more oxygen than the carbon dioxide being emitted, and I believe Sarawak’s future in renewable energy or green economy is very promising.
“Today is the testament, with over 40 Korean investors coming to experience for themselves what Sarawak has to offer,” he added.
