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KUCHING, Oct 19: Sarawak is setting its sights on becoming a major player in the automotive manufacturing industry, with plans to develop locally assembled vehicles, possibly branded as the ‘Kenyalang Car’. This bold vision was outlined by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg during the ‘Sarawak Agenda: Town Hall Session with the Premier of Sarawak’, held today at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (Mitec) in Kuala Lumpur.
The event was part of the Lan Berambeh Anak Sarawak 2024 programme, which connects Sarawakians with key government leaders, including Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof and several other state ministers, to discuss Sarawak’s development agenda.
When responding to a student’s question about the state government’s initiatives in automotive production, the Premier shared his aspirations of producing Sarawak’s own car, signalling a new chapter in the state’s industrial and economic development.
Renewable Energy and Carbon Reduction at the Core
Abang Johari emphasized that Sarawak’s automotive venture would be aligned with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions. He highlighted the importance of focusing on renewable energy in vehicle manufacturing, particularly through the development of hydrogen-powered cars. This focus on sustainability, he said, would be essential for Sarawak to link up with international automotive companies and attract significant investments.
“I have a dream of producing cars assembled right here in Sarawak, perhaps named the ‘Kenyalang Car’, but we need the appropriate technology to make this happen,” he stated. The Premier explained that the pursuit of this dream would hinge on the state’s ability to develop advanced, clean technology to meet the evolving needs of the automotive industry.
This renewable energy focus aligns with Sarawak’s broader push for green technology, particularly in areas like hydropower and hydrogen energy, which have already garnered attention at the national and international levels.
Collaboration with International Automotive Giants
The Premier’s vision is not just about creating a standalone Sarawakian car. He also revealed that the state government has been in discussions with international automotive manufacturers to attract investments and transform Sarawak into a key automotive assembly hub. These collaborations are a strategic step towards establishing Sarawak as a player in the global automotive market.
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“We are already in discussions with Hyundai to assess Sarawak’s suitability as a site for assembling hydrogen-powered vehicles. If they wish to produce new hydrogen-powered cars, I believe Sarawak is the ideal assembly location,” he said.
Abang Johari further mentioned that Toyota, another global automotive leader, is currently developing hydrogen-fueled models. The Premier is optimistic that Toyota’s future ventures could involve partnerships with Sarawak, particularly in green energy vehicle production.
Such collaborations would not only help put Sarawak on the automotive map but would also accelerate the state’s green technology initiatives, allowing it to leapfrog into the next phase of industrialisation.
Sarawak’s Green Vision
Sarawak is no stranger to pioneering green technology, having already made strides in hydropower and hydrogen energy. The state’s commitment to environmental sustainability is reflected in various projects that tap into renewable energy resources. By extending these efforts to the automotive sector, Sarawak is positioning itself to be a leader in clean technology, offering innovative solutions to the global demand for green vehicles.
The Premier also indicated that before launching its own local car manufacturing capabilities, Sarawak would continue working closely with international automotive companies to learn from their expertise. By fostering these relationships, the state government hopes to attract new investments and technical expertise that will help kickstart local production.
Automotive Industry as a Growth Driver for Sarawak
The push towards automotive manufacturing is part of a larger strategy to diversify Sarawak’s economy and create new job opportunities. Abang Johari envisions the development of a thriving automotive sector in the state, with knock-on benefits for local industries such as engineering, renewable energy, and logistics.
The Premier’s announcement has sparked excitement among Sarawakians, many of whom view this as an opportunity for the state to establish itself as an industrial powerhouse in Malaysia.
With its vast natural resources and focus on green energy, Sarawak is well-positioned to play a significant role in the global shift towards cleaner transportation technologies. Should the ‘Kenyalang Car’ dream come to fruition, it could mark a transformative moment in the state’s economic history, paving the way for a sustainable, high-tech automotive industry.
Conclusion
Sarawak’s ambition to become a key player in the automotive industry is a bold yet achievable goal, especially with the state’s focus on renewable energy and strategic partnerships with international automotive giants like Hyundai and Toyota. The ‘Kenyalang Car’ could soon become a reality, driving Sarawak’s industrial growth and positioning the state as a leader in green automotive technology.
With the right investments and technological advancements, Sarawak may very well be the next automotive manufacturing hub in Southeast Asia.
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