SARAWAK has the potential to become the principal energy hub for Malaysia and the wider ASEAN region, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during the 2025 Sarawak-level Gawai Dayak celebration dinner held in Kuching on Sunday evening (22 June).
Citing the state’s abundant resources in hydropower, gas and hydrogen, Anwar highlighted Sarawak’s strategic importance to the ASEAN Power Grid initiative, which aims to integrate electricity networks across Southeast Asia.
"The ASEAN Power Grid will enable energy interconnections between member states,” he said. “Sarawak’s energy potential can be expanded to Sabah, Kalimantan and southern Philippines."
Anwar added that he would raise the proposal at an informal meeting with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto on 27 June.
“I have informed (Sarawak Premier Tan Sri) Abang Johari that I will discuss an ASEAN Power Grid based in Sarawak for the benefit of both countries,” he said.
The dinner, hosted at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK), was attended by Sarawak Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, along with Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, and other federal and state dignitaries.
Anwar also emphasised that the strong relationship between the Federal and Sarawak governments provides a solid platform for resolving long-standing issues, including the distribution of gas.
“The oil and gas industry needs PETRONAS and Sarawak needs Petros. We need both to work together for Sarawak and the nation,” he said, adding that collaboration between the national oil company and the state-owned Petroleum Sarawak Bhd (Petros) is key to shared progress.
In his remarks, Premier Abang Johari confirmed Sarawak’s readiness to contribute to the ASEAN Power Grid, describing it as a catalyst for regional growth.
“We hope the vision of the ASEAN Power Grid will be realised as a catalyst for economic growth in the region,” he said. He also noted that the initiative had the backing of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and that Sarawak was committed to taking on a strategic leadership role.
“I had a brief discussion with the Prime Minister earlier, and I hope that one of the strategies we adopt will help realise your vision for the ASEAN Grid, which will provide an economic development boost to ASEAN, particularly through Malaysia’s contribution,” he said.
Abang Johari also extended his congratulations to Anwar and the Cabinet for elevating Malaysia’s stature as ASEAN Chair this year.
“Malaysia’s leadership at the regional level has earned recognition from ASEAN member states as well as external partners who appreciate Malaysia’s approach as a multiracial and multi-religious nation living in harmony,” he said. “We in Sarawak certainly give our full support towards positioning Malaysia as a nation respected by the world today.”
Themed ‘Peji Kenep Panau Pegep’ – meaning ‘United We Progress’ in the Kayan language – the cultural celebration featured traditional performances by the Orang Ulu, Bidayuh, and Iban communities.
Abang Johari also thanked the Prime Minister for making the effort to attend. “In fact, I was informed that the Prime Minister had another engagement scheduled for tonight. But he said, ‘No, I want to go to Sarawak’… This reflects the close bond of brotherhood,” he added. - June 23, 2025
