Abang Johari (second left) greets Anwar upon the latter’s arrival at the Malaysian High Commission in Singapore. – Photo from the Sarawak Premier’s Office

KUCHING (Jan 30): The proposed export of electricity from Sarawak to Singapore was discussed at the meeting between Prime Ministers of Malaysia and Singapore today, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

In a statement issued by his office, Abang Johari said the project – if realised – will cost up to SGD8 billion with Sarawak potentially exporting up to 1,000 MW of power to Singapore.

“In the discussion with his counterpart Lee Hsien Loong, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim raised the issue of the proposed export of electricity from Sarawak to Singapore which will also involve the approval of the Indonesian government.

“The undersea electric cable from Tondong, Sarawak to Singapore will involve a distance of 720km where at least 70 per cent of the route is in Indonesian waters through the Muri-Midai corridor,” said the statement.

The statement explained that the Singapore-Sarawak cooperation in the distribution of renewable energy and carbon trading were two matters brought up for discussion between the two Prime Ministers during their meeting in the island state today.

Abang Johari was among the members of Anwar’s entourage in the meeting held during the latter’s one-day official visit to the republic.

He also joined Anwar to call on Singapore President Halimah Yacob.

It was Anwar’s first official visit to Singapore since being appointed as the 10th Prime Minister of Malaysia.

“On behalf of Sarawak, Datuk Seri Anwar also touched on the potential of carbon trading cooperation between the private sectors in Singapore and Sarawak. The collaboration is currently still in the discussion stage,” added the statement.