Abang Johari (centre) symbolically launches the award ceremony. Abang Helmi is seen at second left. – Ukas photo

KUCHING (Sept 28): Sarawak’s decision to offer electricity tariffs at more competitive prices serves as a strategy to attract new investments to the state, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

He said this is one of Sarawak’s advantages, with rich energy resources, enabling the state government to set lower power rates compared with other energy providers in the region.

“Our strength lies in energy and with this, we will be able to control energy prices, especially in terms of tariffs. We determine the cost of electricity, which is cheaper than our competitors, and this will attract investments to Sarawak,” he said at the Sarawak Bumiputera Entrepreneur Awards 2025 held here yesterday, as reported by the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas).

Abang Johari said Sarawak is at great advantage given its many rivers, all of which are managed by itself without sharing with others, just like the Nile River and the Mekong River.

He added that this contributes to Sarawak’s production of hydrogen energy for the state’s own use, with the surplus exported to foreign countries, to further boost its economy.

With more investments injected into Sarawak, he said this would open up more job opportunities that promise lucrative remunerations.

However, Abang Johari said the younger generation today must respond to the Sarawak government’s initiative to produce more skilled workers in meeting the market demand.

“When investments come in, more high-paying job opportunities will be created. This is why we focus on energy development work in sectors that depend on gas, petrochemicals and semiconductors,” he added.

Also present were Sarawak Bumiputera Chamber of Commerce (DUBS) president Datu Abang Helmi Tan Sri Ikhwan.