KUCHING: Sarawak has the potential to become a global model in addressing climate change by balancing economic development with environmental conservation and embracing scientific innovation, says Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said the state’s approach to sustainable development was focused on protecting biodiversity while creating new economic opportunities that do not compromise the environment.
“We have the technology to preserve our forests until we can be a model for the world — that we are responsible for finding solutions to climate change,” he said in his speech during the 21st Malaysian Forestry Conference (MFC) 2026 held here on Monday (Jul 13).
Abang Johari said Sarawak was fortunate to be located along the equator, giving it abundant sunlight, water and natural resources that could support sustainable economic growth if managed prudently.
“We have enough sunlight, we have enough water and we have enough resources that can bring about greater value for all of us. The challenge is to ensure there is a balance between economic development and environmental sustainability,” he said.
He said the state was placing strong emphasis on scientific research to unlock the value of its natural resources beyond traditional timber production.
Among the initiatives being explored are the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from local biological resources, as well as the discovery of medicinal compounds from Sarawak’s forests.
Abang Johari said Sarawak is also collaborating with China’s Fudan University to explore the potential of developing herbal medicines by combining traditional Eastern knowledge with modern scientific research to strengthen healthcare.
He stressed that forests should no longer be viewed solely as a source of timber revenue, but as valuable ecosystems capable of generating higher-value economic returns through innovation and research.
“We used to rely on timber as a source of revenue. Today, I have asked the Forest Department to find other ways of generating revenue while preserving our forests,” he said.
On the state’s energy transition, Abang Johari said Sarawak was investing in hydrogen as a clean energy source to replace fossil fuels despite initial scepticism surrounding the technology.
He said advances in research and technology would eventually lower the cost of hydrogen production, making it a viable alternative fuel and an important component of Sarawak’s green economy.
“Hydrogen has enormous potential, and with continued technological improvements, it will become more affordable and help drive our transition towards clean energy,” he said.
Abang Johari added that Sarawak’s sustainability initiatives had attracted growing international attention, with the state invited to share its experience at forums in Bangkok, Paris, India and Europe.
He expressed confidence that continued collaboration in areas such as hydrogen and clean energy research would strengthen not only Sarawak’s position, but also Malaysia’s standing as a progressive and forward-looking nation committed to addressing climate change.
