Kuching, Malaysia: Sarawak is exploring an unconventional but promising new source of clean energy — cow waste — as part of its broader push for environmental sustainability and circular economy initiatives, reported Sarawak Tribune.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg announced that methane gas released from cow waste can be processed using clean technology to extract hydrogen, which can then be used as a renewable energy source. He said this approach aligns with Sarawak’s ongoing efforts to reduce waste and convert agricultural and livestock by-products into useful resources.
“If we have a lot of cattle, we also have a lot of waste. That waste emits methane, which contains hydrogen. From methane, we can extract hydrogen and turn it into energy,” he explained during the International Day of Forests 2025 celebration, themed ‘Forests and Foods’, held today.
He described the initiative as a clear example of the circular economy in action, where organic waste is not discarded but transformed into high-value products, supporting both environmental protection and economic development.
In addition to cow waste, the Sarawak government is investing RM30 million through the Sarawak Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority (SALCRA) for a pilot project in Lubok Antu. The project aims to convert oil palm waste into biomass and biofuel.
“For years, we’ve focused on palm oil but neglected the by-products. Now, we’re using that waste to produce biomass and biofuel,” Abang Johari said. He added that early trials of converting the biomass into animal feed have yielded promising results, with livestock showing improved health and weight gain.
He further noted that the biofuel derived from palm waste could eventually be refined into Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), offering another green energy solution for the future.
Recalling his speech at the ASEAN Economic Leaders’ Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Abang Johari shared a simple but impactful message that has since become a cornerstone of Sarawak’s environmental policy: “Don’t waste the waste – monetise the waste.”
This philosophy, he said, captures the spirit of Sarawak’s green growth strategy, which is gaining attention beyond Malaysia as a model for sustainable and economically viable environmental practices.
