KUCHING – South Korean conglomerate Samsung is among the multinational companies interested in investing in Sarawak’s hydrogen industry.
Sarawak Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said he and Chief Minister Datuk Abang Johari Openg had held a virtual discussion with major South Korean investors such as Samsung, Posco, and Lotte Chemical – apart from Australian investors.
“They are interested to invest in the hydrogen industry, and it’s quite a big investment,” he said in a special interview here recently.
Sarawak has begun serious research and development in hydrogen after studying its potential and global demand from places such as the European Union (EU).
The EU has stated in a hydrogen study that from 2030 to 2050, the hydrogen market is estimated to be worth US$11 trillion (RM45.65 trillion).
Awang Tengah – who is also state international trade and industry, industry terminal and entrepreneur development minister – said the oil and gas (O&G) industry development in the state will be enhanced to include oil exploration, refining, sale and distribution.
“Hence, the state government has appointed consultants to prepare a master plan for the O&G industry, especially for high-value downstream activities, which involve industrial areas in Samalaju, Bintulu, Kidurong, Tg Manis, Lawas, and Kuching,” he said.
On the state’s timber sector, he said Sarawak will continue to develop the industry although it is already the biggest plywood producer for markets in Japan, South Korea, and China.
Awang Tengah said the state government will also focus on the shipping industry in Mukah via the Tg Manis Marine Engineering Park development in Paloh.
“Out of 100 shipyards in Malaysia, Sarawak has 60 – especially in Sibu and Miri. It has big potential and they have built ships for export to Australia, the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, and even to Europe. This is an industry with potential for expansion,” he added.
For the agriculture sector, the deputy chief minister said both local and overseas companies have shown an interest to invest using the Internet of Things platform, in line with the state’s aim to be a net exporter of agriculture products. – Bernama, October 23, 2021
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