Kuching’s Smart City initiatives exemplify Sarawak’s strengthening digital innovation, says Premier

KUCHING (Jan 13): Eight-five per cent of Sarawak’s populated areas have been equipped with internet coverage as of November, strengthening the foundation for digital innovation, said Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

The Premier pointed out that Kuching’s Smart City initiatives exemplified this progress as the city utilises Internet of Things (IoT) to handle traffic management and smart street lighting.

“Under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), we are accelerating modernisation and mechanisation in agriculture. Precision farming, powered by artificial intelligence (AI) enabled sensors and drones, helps monitor crop health, soil conditions, and weather patterns in real-time.

“This data empowers farmers to make informed decisions on irrigation, fertilisation and pest control, boosting productivity, and sustainability,” he said at the Majlis Amanat Perdana Premier Sarawak 2025 held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching here today.

Abang Johari said this included developing 14,000ha for large-scale paddy cultivation, upgrading irrigation, and drainage infrastructure for five planting cycles every two years, and collaborating with research institutions to produce high-quality seeds tailored to the state’s geography.

He said these efforts aim to enhance Sarawak’s rice self-sufficiency and strengthen food security.

To support these advancements, he said they are establishing Sarawak AI Centre (SAIC) this year, positioning Sarawak as a hub for innovation and collaboration.

He said the SAIC, through strategic partnerships with academic institutions, industry leaders and government entities, is fostering a vibrant AI ecosystem.

“One of the centre’s flagship programmes is the AI for Smart Agriculture, which utilises AI-powered analytics to optimise crop yields and promote sustainability.

“The centre is also spearheading projects in healthcare such as predictive analytics for early disease detection and enhancing energy efficiency with AI-driven smart grid systems.

“These initiatives showcase Sarawak’s forward-thinking approach to leveraging technology for economic growth, environmental sustainability, and the betterment of our communities,” he added.

Abang Johari said Sarawak had also adopted methylcyclohexane (MCH) technology, a hydrogen carrier composed of liquid made by the chemical reaction of hydrogen to toluene.

He said this enables hydrogen to be stored and transported in a liquid form for seamless export to Japan.

“Projects like H2ornbill, led by SEDC Energy, will deliver over 90,000 tonnes of green hydrogen annually to Japan, including 2,000 tonnes for Sarawak’s consumption.

“Our partnership with Eneos on Direct MCH Technology represents a significant advancement, eliminating the need for dehydrogenation and enhancing cost-effectiveness.

“This technological advancement positions Sarawak as a global leader in the green hydrogen economy, driving the transition towards cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions,” he said.

The Premier said Sarawak is also exploring green industrial solutions with HighChem Technology Company Limited.

“HighChem’s syngas to ethylene glycol and CO2 to paraxylene technologies offer transformative solutions to industrial sustainability. The syngas to ethylene glycol technology utilises synthesis gas derived from biomass or waste to produce ethylene glycol, a critical material for plastics, while reducing dependence on conventional petrochemical methods.

“The CO2 to paraxylene technology exemplifies how Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) can create valuable products by converting carbon dioxide into paraxylene, an essential component for polyester production,” he explained.

Abang Johari said HighChem had proposed Sarawak as the ideal location to pilot these technologies.

He said this partnership can position Sarawak as a global producer of clean, green polyester products, and extend to innovative applications like aerospace materials, including high-performance fabrics for space exploration gear.

“Through the integration of CCUS, Sarawak can decarbonise energy from hydrocarbons, strengthening our position as a leader in sustainable and innovative energy solutions,” he added.