Sarawak to stay on hydrogen roadmap, says Abang Johari

KUCHING: Sarawak will move forward with the development of a hydrogen economy, including its use as fuel for public transport, says Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg.

The Sarawak Premier said the hydrogen roadmap was part of development plans for the future up to 2050.

“Some people say we should be cautious about hydrogen due to its high cost and because some countries have failed with it.

“The reason is because they don’t have the feedstock of hydrogen itself.

“They have to import it, so the cost is high,” he said at the Sarawak Economic Development Corporation’s (SEDC) Integrity Day here on Friday (March 14).

Abang Johari said Sarawak, however, has hydrogen feedstock from its rich resources.

“We have hydrogen from methane and water reservoirs,” he said.

On Tuesday (March 12), DAP’s Pending assemblyman Violet Yong called on the state government to reconsider using hydrogen buses for the Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS) in light of global failures and safety risks.

She said multiple cities and operators around the world had abandoned hydrogen bus plans due to high costs, operational issues and safety concerns such as explosions.

For instance, she said Belgian public transport operator De Lijn had discontinued the operation of five hydrogen buses in Antwerp and dismantled a hydrogen filling station due to high costs and operational difficulties.

“We are not against the improvement of our public transport system, but the Sarawak government must remain vigilant and ensure that public funds are wisely invested in sustainable, reliable and cost-effective solutions that benefit Sarawak in the long term,” she added.