PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia and Japan are set to finalise their collaboration on hydrogen energy by May, marking a significant milestone in their joint effort to advance clean energy technologies.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced this during a joint press conference with his Japanese counterpart Shigeru Ishiba following their bilateral discussions at Perdana Putra here on Friday (Jan 10).
Anwar highlighted Sarawak’s role in spearheading hydrogen energy development through a partnership between Petros and PETRONAS.
He expressed confidence in the project, emphasising its importance for both countries.
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“The Premier of Sarawak, with the support of Prime Minister Ishiba, has given his assurance on this initiative.
“This collaboration in new technology and hydrogen will be a success, and we hope to facilitate it as soon as possible, aiming to meet a deadline by May, when we convene either in Tokyo or in Kuala Lumpur,” Anwar said.
He also thanked Japan for its longstanding partnership with PETRONAS, particularly in liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects.
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He highlighted ongoing efforts to deliver carbon-neutral LNG cargo to Japan’s Shikoku Electric and Hiroshima Gas, facilitated by PETRONAS’ clean energy policies and advancements in carbon capture utilisation and storage (CCUS).
On a broader regional scale, Anwar underscored the importance of Japan’s involvement in the proposed Asean energy grid connecting Laos, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore.
This initiative, alongside Sarawak’s undersea energy cable project linking Sarawak to Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore, would require Japan’s collaboration to ensure its success, he added.
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“I also mentioned the formation of the Asean energy grid from Laos, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and the initiative by Sarawak for an undersea energy cable to Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore.
“This, of course, will require participation from Japan, alongside the other countries involved,” said Anwar.
On Thursday (Jan 9), Anwar said Sarawak is set to become the new energy hub in the region.
In addition to energy cooperation, Anwar reiterated Malaysia’s commitment to supporting Asean initiatives, including organising discussions in Kuala Lumpur during the Asean Summit, pending agreement from member states.
The discussions also covered peace and stability in the South China Sea, Indo-Pacific collaboration and the Five-Point Consensus on Myanmar.
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Ishiba echoed Malaysia’s emphasis on energy and regional stability, affirming Japan’s commitment to working closely with Malaysia.
“We agreed that between Japan and Malaysia, we want to cooperate in many areas within the international community, and we have seen a convergence of views.
“We also had a frank exchange of opinions on imminent issues, including the East and South China Seas, the Middle East, and the Myanmar situation. We agreed to maintain close communication,” he said.
On energy security and decarbonisation, Ishiba confirmed Japan’s readiness to collaborate with Malaysia on cutting-edge technologies.
“We would like to move forward with cooperation in areas such as ammonia-only-fired gas turbines, electricity generation through these turbines, CCUS, hydrogen, and LNG, beginning with initiatives in Sarawak,” he said.
The two leaders also agreed to strengthen supply chain resilience and enhance cooperation within Asean’s zero-emission community framework.
