BY GILLVEN MIXCOLLIN
KUCHING: Sarawak is establishing a new Climate Change Centre to act as a central hub for coordinating and managing climate initiatives and carbon trading in an effort to address climate change.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has stated that the centre would play a crucial role in developing and implementing strategies to reduce carbon emissions, manage environmental impacts, and promote sustainable development.
He revealed this during his ministerial winding-up speech at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting on May 15.
New Sarawak Tribune met with some members of the public to gather their thoughts and expectations on this significant step towards a greener future.
KENN SOON, 21
Accounting student
The activities and initiatives of the Climate Change Centre should involve university students to bring creative and fresh ideas as they are going to be the generation that are going to be affected by this climate change in the future. This centre should reinforce and set goals in reducing waste in general as it is the easiest task and everyone can get involved with it as a community. I think this is a really good move by the government but without the collaboration of the local community, it might be a waste. Hence, the government must place a lot of effort in getting the community to side with them.
SIM PEI JIN, 21
Business student
I do think the government does play a role in this initiative, but the public as the consumers should play a role in the process for our environment. I have been noticing the climate change for the last few years and lately the intense weather humidity has been more frequent as previously Kuching used to be not this hot. If the centre is to update the weather conditions and getting their message out, definitely do it through social media, especially in video format like Instagram reels and YouTube shorts.
MAGGIE TANG, 38
Lecturer
Even though setting up this centre is through the government initiatives, everyone including the non-governmental organisations (NGOs), institutions and the community should be involved in all the activities. I think they should handle the waste disposal first as their priority because the current method of handling it is by using landfill, which releases one of the most potent greenhouse gases and a huge contributor to climate change. In my opinion, the best way to spread awareness about the upcoming Climate Change Centre should be through the internet as everyone is on most social media platforms.
MAX ONG, 24
University student
I feel this is a good step to benefit us as a society and a community, especially myself as a Sarawakian because I am scared that Sarawak may lose its natural habitats due to unlawful deforestation. The government is there to give us the public support on this climate change issues because by the end of the day, we, as the people, are the ones creating a culture in taking care of this matter. Just like the recent flood at some areas, it is because of the lack of proper drainage system and I feel the government should take this matter seriously because if this is happening frequently, more often than, it will affect productivity.
BONESHWARI GOPALKRISHNAN, 32
Homemaker
The relevant authorities should invite and involve more young people to be interested in this matter. When the centre is established, they should emphasise more in improving green technology as it is becoming a trend lately and I’m doing my part with my garden by incorporating sustainable practices. I would say social media would be their best way to promote this centre and its progress updated online as most people are even on Facebook as well.
