Kuala Lumpur: Sarawak is working to ensure that regulations and guidelines for the state’s hydrogen industry are finalised by the end of this year. Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg announced that efforts are currently being undertaken by the state’s Ministry of Energy and Environmental Sustainability.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Abang Johari emphasized that regulatory clarity will provide confidence to investors, operators, and the public, ensuring that the hydrogen economy develops safely and sustainably. He made these remarks during his speech at the Hydrogen Economy Forum 2025.

Abang Johari highlighted that as hydrogen projects continue to expand across Sarawak, the state has taken significant steps to ensure the safe and responsible development of this emerging industry. On November 11, 2024, Sarawak passed the Distribution of Gas (Amendment) Ordinance, which now includes provisions specifically dedicated to regulating hydrogen-related activities. This amendment covers the development, generation, distribution, and use of hydrogen as part of Sarawak’s clean energy transition. It introduces new offences and penalties related to hydrogen activities and empowers the government to impose relevant rates, levies, or charges on hydrogen operations. The ordinance came into force on March 1, 2025, with the state Ministry of Energy and Environmental Sustainability overseeing its implementation.

Abang Johari also mentioned that Sarawak launched the state Hydrogen Hub early last year to reinforce its commitment to the energy transition. The flagship large-scale green hydrogen initiatives, the H2ornbill and H2biscus projects, are progressing and are expected to complete their Front-End Engineering Design by the end of this year. Additionally, another hydrogen hub is being planned in Kuching, which will further strengthen Sarawak’s capacity to lead in Southeast Asia’s hydrogen economy.