Ishiba is set to begin an official visit to Malaysia, during which he is scheduled to meet with Anwar.

Anwar said the new plan, led by Sarawak premier Abang Johari Openg, was a critical initiative in the energy transition sector.

“We will discuss several issues on investment and trade and a new plan that is very critical in terms of energy transition, based on the efforts of Abang Jo.

“We hope this discussion will chart the course for Malaysia, particularly Sarawak, to become a regional energy hub,” he said when officiating the Malaysian Economic Forum here today.

Also present were deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, economy minister Rafizi Ramli, Abang Johari, and Chief Secretary to the Government Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar.

Anwar previously said Sarawak has huge potential to become a major power in the new energy hub, boosting foreign investment confidence.

Abang Johari was reported to have said the Sarawak government was optimistic about its ability to become a powerhouse in electricity production following its success in generating and supplying electricity to neighbouring countries such as West Kalimantan in Indonesia.

He was also quoted as saying that the Sarawak government believes its people’s expertise in electricity and new energy would help the state emerge as a major hub in Asean.