KUCHING: The state government’s effort through SEDC Energy Sdn Bhd to establish multifuel refuelling stations in Sarawak portrays its long-term vision and keen emphasis on environmental sustainability.
Caretaker Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said such stations provided a range of refuelling options, namely hydrogen, electricity, and conventional fossil fuels.
“These multifuel refuelling stations are the first in Malaysia and perhaps even the first in this region,” he said when officiating at the ground-breaking ceremony for the multifuel refuelling station, which will carry the Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros) brand, at MJC Batu Kawah here on Tuesday (Nov 23).
He congratulated SEDC Energy Sdn Bhd for developing its second multifuel refuelling station in MJC Batu Kawah following the first station in Darul Hana, which is expected to be completed soon.
“When we go for hydrogen, we are talking about the future. We have to go for green energy and hydrogen,” he said.
He explained that hydrogen could be produced from water through electrolysis, with hydrogen then used as fuel.
He said Sarawak was blessed with an abundance of water and this huge volume of water could be a source of hydrogen.
“Although at first this process may be a bit expensive, my expectation is that over a period of time – between five and ten years – this cost will decrease. And if this cost goes down, we will become a great source of hydrogen,” he said.
Abang Johari said this was why there had been interest from numerous countries to invest in hydrogen production here, including Japan, Korea and Australia.
“I believe they have conducted their studies and they know that we have the resource. The only thing is the technology to process the resource into hydrogen. Hydrogen is going to be the energy of the future. So we are on the right track and we have this particular vision,” he said.
He said the state government aimed to control carbon emissions and was thus bold enough to head towards this environmentally friendly source of energy.
“The long-term plan is for these stations to also be built along our highways and also provide certain locations with rest areas,” he said.
He added that aside from these multifuel refuelling stations, the state government was also aiming to establish a green public transport system.
“We are able to do all this because we have a strong government that protects the interests of Sarawak,” he said.
“Last time people promised 20 percent (oil royalty), but it was just talk. But when Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) says (something), it will fight to the (end), and we have done it,” he said.
He noted that the state government had strived and won its case against Petronas over the imposition of the five per cent state sales tax (SST) on petroleum products.
“The win is not for me but for Sarawakians. We also formed Petros, our own oil company, and it will be able to be a partner in the exploitation of oil and gas (O&G) with other investors,” said Abang Johari.
He said the state government also had the authority to regulate gas distribution, adding that this authority was important especially since 60 percent of the country’s gas reserves were found in Sarawak.
He emphasised that what was needed in moving forward to a new era was a strong and stable government and unity among the people.
“Under the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030, we are on the right track and the benefit will be for all Sarawakians,” he said.
Also present were Local Government and Housing Minister and Batu Kawah incumbent assemblyman Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian; SEDC chairman Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Hussain and Petros chairman Tan Sri Datuk Amar Hamid Bugo.
