DALAT: Sarawak has become the first state in Malaysia to enforce green building practices through the Building (Amendment) Bill 2025, in line with the state government’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the new requirement for all buildings to comply with the Green Building Index (GBI) standard signalled a major shift towards low-carbon development and environmentally responsible engineering.
He asserted that the legislation demonstrated Sarawak’s long-term effort to curb carbon emissions and adopt modern technologies that improve accuracy, safety and sustainability in the construction sector.
“We want to move towards what is now known as green construction and green building technology. Our aim is for Sarawak to become a state that emits as little carbon as possible.
“Carbon causes our planet to heat up and harms the environment, which is why environmental sustainability remains a core policy of the Sarawak Government. This means we must adopt new and modern technologies,” he said.
He said this when officiating at the Centre of Technical Excellence Sarawak (CENTEXS) Dalat Campus here today.
Abang Johari added that Sarawak was also the first state in Malaysia to introduce legislation governing waste management.
He said the move was necessary as Sarawak had abundant renewable resources and required a clear framework to manage, process and develop them responsibly.
“I am sharing this because Sarawak has many resources. What we need is for our people to have the skills and talent to develop them.
“The Sustainable Resources and Wastes Management Bill 2025 was passed in the State Assembly recently.
“It is the first of its kind; no other state has such a law. Only Sarawak has this. All firsts – they are ours,” he added.
The Premier said Sarawak therefore required skilled human capital to support the state’s transition towards a modern and innovation-driven economy.
He urged young Sarawakians to pursue higher education, expressing confidence that local talent could be trained to meet future industry needs.
“Congratulations to CENTEXS for offering certified, valuable and internationally recognised courses. Our youths can now use the latest technology as we work to transform our economy.
“Hopefully CENTEXS will continue to succeed, and its management will uphold the discipline taught here and at other campuses.
“This will enable us to provide quality education and the right skills for Sarawak’s younger generation,” he added.
