Sarawak mulls dedicated undersea cable projects

“We are now discussing with the federal government," says Abang Johari. — Bernama

PETALING JAYA: Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg says the development of two dedicated undersea cables to Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore to channel its hydropower energy is under discussion in a move to amplify the use of renewable energy.

“We are now discussing with the federal government, but first is the question of whether we have the excess energy.

“At the moment we have the excess energy, then we can share with our neighbours. Now we are dealing with Singapore, which has been agreed by both prime ministers (recently),” he told the media after visiting the Malaysia Pavilion at the 28th Conference of Parties or COP28 in Dubai yesterday.

The premier noted that there is an improved technology for undersea cables which is competitively cheaper to ensure the project can be realised. However, he did not mention any specific timeline.

Abang Johari said the state government is in the process of expanding its hydro energy capacity to generate 20 gigawatt of power. He said that the state government is trying to improve its approach to generate hydro energy using a cascading dam method instead of a reservoir which is more suitable for the environment. — Bernama