KUCHING: The state government is committed to sustainable development through a number of initiatives, Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg assured today.
He said at the core of Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030) is an unwavering commitment to sustainable growth—a seamless integration of economic prosperity, environmental responsibility, and social inclusion.
"Through groundbreaking initiatives in hydrogen energy, biomass, and robust reforestation efforts, we are not only reducing our environmental footprint but also fortifying our long-term economic resilience," he said at the opening of the Seventh International Digital Economy Conference Sarawak (IDECS) here.
He said sustainability extends beyond environmental preservation as it is about social equity and inclusion.
"We are committed to uplifting the lives of all Sarawakians by empowering marginalised communities, creating quality job opportunities, and ensuring access to education and healthcare.
"We believe that integrating AI holds tremendous potential to bridge existing gaps and deliver smarter, more effective solutions for our people," Abang Johari said.
He said the state government's commitment to sustainability started early, with theinvestments in renewable energy since the early 2000s.
He said the building of the Bakun, Murum, and Baleh hydroelectric plants are crucial to Sarawak's renewable energy strategy, spurring economic growth while delivering socio-economic benefits to local communities.
He said through these hydropower projects, the state government is investing in research and exploring cutting-edge energy storage solutions, like pumped storage hydropower to boost efficiency and sustainability.
"Additionally, we plan to establish small to medium-sized power sources along our rivers to optimise water usage and minimise ecological disruption."
He emphasised that investing in new renewable energy sources is vital, and AI technologies are essential for managing energy intermittency to ensure a stable power supply.
He said AI will be integrated into smart grids, enabling them to effectively balance energy supply and demand in real time.
"These advanced grids utilise predictive algorithms to optimise energy distribution and seamlessly incorporate renewable sources, such as solar and wave kinetic energy," he said.
He added by analysing energy consumption data and predicting demand, AI maximises renewable use while minimising reliance on non-renewables.
"Moreover, it enhances energy storage systems, reducing waste and bolstering grid resilience—critical steps toward our net-zero carbon goals," he said.
The premier said that waste management is another vital area where AI drives sustainability, saying that as urban areas expand, efficient waste management becomes essential.
He said the AI-powered systems can sort, process, and recycle materials more effectively, ensuring valuable resources are not lost.
He cited Miri as a city where smart waste truck management systems are used to optimise garbage collection by tracking schedules and routes, reducing fuel consumption and operational costs while lessening environmental impact.
He said by ensuring timely waste disposal, Miri is minimising landfill burdens and fostering a cleaner urban environment.
Abang Johari said Sarawak is also exploring ways to convert organic waste from agricultural production into energy.
He said by leveraging anaerobic digestion and biomass conversion, the state government aims to reduce landfill waste while generating renewable energy for local communities.
Abang Johari said Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC) is also supporting deep tech research and development initiatives in the local universities which focus on integrating AI into waste management and conversion processes.
"Advanced analytics will help monitor feedstock quality and optimize fermentation processes, boosting overall productivity.