KUCHING: The Sarawak State Legislative Assembly on Tuesday (Nov 21) passed the Electricity (Amendment) Bill 2023 which aims among others to update the Electricity Ordinance in order to advance the state’s policies on energy transition towards clean renewable energy.

       The bill was passed by a majority vote after 14 members of the state assembly participated in the debate session.

       Utility and Telecommunication Sarawak Minister Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi said the amendment thereby enhances, strengthens and improves provisions in the present Ordinance.

       "With these amendments, the Sarawak government will be able to facilitate the implementation of the strategies in post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 for the energy transition to clean renewable energy and to create a robust, well-regulated electricity industry to support the sustainable development of Sarawak to become the regional powerhouse of Asean.

       "It would also provide opportunities for our people and investors to partake in power generation make available more job opportunities and provide Sarawak with additional sources of revenues," he said during the winding-up session earlier. - Bernama