The Sarawak government, through SEDC Energy Sdn Bhd, is actively exploring alternative sources for the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), according to Deputy Minister for Energy and Environmental Sustainability, Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni.
Speaking during a question-and-answer session at the August House today (May 20), Dr Hazland said the state is considering a range of raw materials including used cooking oil, seaweed, agricultural waste, and biomass.
His comments came in response to concerns raised by Krian assemblyman Friday Belik (GPS) regarding the challenges faced by Sarawak’s microalgae-based SAF project. Belik highlighted that while the microalgae industry presents significant business opportunities for local entrepreneurs, it also comes with operational hurdles.
“There’s real potential for businesses and individuals to get involved in extracting algal oil and developing algal biomass for products like animal feed, nutraceuticals, and pharmaceuticals,” he said.
To improve efficiency and reduce reliance on manual labour, Belik stressed the need to adopt advanced technologies. “The project requires significant investment in AI-based tools, such as sensors, to automate processes and reduce labour dependency,” he noted.
He also pointed out the urgency of scaling up production to keep pace with rising global demand for bio-based feedstock. “Meeting the growing demand for sustainable raw materials is a key challenge that we must prepare for,” he added.
The state’s push for alternative SAF sources is part of a broader strategy to strengthen its green economy and position Sarawak as a leader in renewable energy innovation.
