SIBU: Sarawak has been given the green light by the federal government to hold discussions with Singapore on an undersea power cable project linking the state to the island republic.
Sarawak premier Abang Johari Openg said the project, which will pass through Indonesian territory, would enable Sarawak to export up to 1,000 megawatts (MW) of electricity.
“I am glad to announce that studies on the project to export up to 1,000MW of electricity to Singapore can begin, especially undersea power cables linking Tondong in Sarawak to Singapore.
“The federal government has given us the green light to hold talks on the implementation of the project and it has been decided in principle,” he said in a statement issued by the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas).
Ukas said Abang Johari held a bilateral meeting with International Hydropower Association (IHA) president Malcolm Turnbull in conjunction with the 2023 World Hydropower Congress in Bali, Indonesia, today.
At the meeting, Abang Johari shared the advantages enjoyed by Sarawak as a state with abundant renewable energy resources, especially in electric power generation.
He said Sarawak’s vast network of rivers and high rainfall catchment enabled it to generate electric power in a sustainable manner through hydroelectric dams.
Meanwhile, Abang Johari said Singapore had agreed to set up a consulate office in Kuching to enhance bilateral relations between Sarawak and the republic.
He said the setting up of the consulate-general office was agreed upon during the 10th Malaysia-Singapore annual leaders’ retreat on the island republic yesterday.
He added the setting up of the consulate office would also boost the state’s economy, especially the tourism sector.
“I have also discussed with transport minister Loke Siew Fook, while in Singapore, about a proposal to let our airline, MASwings, fly to Singapore.”
The premier said the flights would strengthen the Sarawak tourism industry, especially with more tourists from Singapore.
Abang Johari, who was among those who attended the retreat, also paid a courtesy call on Singapore president Tharman Shanmugaratnam. - FMT
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