Abang Johari speaks at the national-level World Rivers Day celebration 2026 at Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang Phase 2 in Sibu on Saturday. – Photo by Maxwell Atan

SIBU (Oct 24): Sarawak’s abundant water resources must be managed sustainably to support the state’s ambitions in green energy, semiconductor manufacturing and other high-technology industries, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

He said clean water and reliable energy supplies were essential for advanced manufacturing, including semiconductor production and artificial intelligence (AI)-related industries, which required water for industrial processes and cooling systems.

“With Sarawak’s many rivers, we must keep them clean and treat the water for green energy and cooling systems for high-technology manufacturing industries,” he said during the national-level World Rivers Day celebration 2026 at Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang Phase 2 here.

He said rivers remained vital to the livelihoods of Sarawakians, particularly communities living along Batang Rajang, Malaysia’s longest river, and its tributaries.

He stressed that protecting waterways was essential to sustaining aquatic ecosystems and ensuring communities continued to benefit from river resources.

“If our rivers are polluted, aquatic life will be affected and the resources that support the livelihoods of communities depending on them will be reduced,” he said.

Citing Batang Lupar, Abang Johari said the terubok population in the area had increased following the construction of a bridge, with its pillars providing a habitat and source of natural food for the fish.

He said this highlighted the importance of understanding the relationship between infrastructure development and river ecosystems.

Abang Johari also said Sarawak’s water resources had been harnessed for hydroelectric power generation through facilities such as the Bakun and Murum dams, supporting the state’s transition towards cleaner energy and potential participation in regional power cooperation.

He said the state’s rivers and water resources could also support agricultural development, including efforts to improve water storage and management for rice cultivation.

These initiatives included experiments involving perennial rice, which could help strengthen Sarawak’s food security through improved cultivation methods.

Abang Johari stressed that such development must be balanced with environmental protection, in line with the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 to ensure sustainable economic growth and preserve the state’s natural assets for future generations.

He added that Sarawak also needed to develop more highly skilled local talent to support its ambitions in advanced technology and manufacturing.

The state government’s provision of free education for Sarawakian students was among the initiatives aimed at developing human capital capable of supporting future industries, he said.

Also present were Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof; Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Dato Sri Tiong King Sing; and Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Prof Dr Sim Kui Hian.