Alternative energy the answer to diesel price woes, says Abang Jo

KUCHING: Malaysia should seek alternative energy sources to replace diesel in light of the subsidy rationalisation, says Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg.

He said Sarawak was actively exploring the use of hydrogen as a renewable energy source, including reducing its cost of production.

"Find an alternative to diesel and you don't need any subsidies. Why should we be talking about diesel when we have hydrogen?" he told reporters after opening the Asia Pacific green hydrogen conference here on Monday (June 10).

Abang Johari was commenting on the new diesel price of RM3.35 per litre in Peninsular Malaysia effective Monday.

In Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan, the price of diesel remains at the subsidised rate of RM2.15 per litre.

In his speech earlier, Abang Johari said the Sarawak government, in collaboration with PETRONAS, had lowered the electricity requirement to produce 1kg of hydrogen from 60kW/h to 38kW/h.

"This advancement aims to cut hydrogen production costs by 50% or more, significantly enhancing its viability and competitiveness as an energy source," he said.