Abang Johari said the state has the capacity to produce hydrogen, especially with the abundance of rivers, Dayak Daily reported.

He said water can be filtered with new technology.

“Once you reach the required water standard, then you can produce hydrogen. Then we (Sarawak) can control the economy, at least in this region.

“Sarawak can become a new Saudi Arabia,” he was quoted as saying.

Abang Johari said with hydrogen, the environment could become cleaner, making the world safer for future generations to live in.

It was reported in September that Saudi Arabia, the world’s biggest oil exporter, is investing money to become a major player in the global clean energy transition.

Climate Home News, a portal which reports on international politics of the climate crisis, said the kingdom sits on an estimated US$2.5 trillion worth of minerals, including lithium, rare earths, zinc and copper.

These ingredients are used to produce rechargeable batteries for electric vehicles, power storage and solar panels.