KUCHING: Sarawak is taking bold steps to turn the climate crisis into a powerful driver of economic growth, sustainability, and social resilience, an approach that Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg says will shape a greener, more inclusive future for the state.
Rather than treating climate change as a burden, the Premier sees it as a strategic opportunity to create green jobs, strengthen communities, and safeguard Sarawak’s natural legacy for future generations.
“I do not see action on climate change as a burden, because I see it as an opportunity to create green jobs, build resilient communities, and preserve our natural heritage for the generations to come,” he said.
His speech was delivered on his behalf by Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Project Coordinator for Regional Development Agencies, Kuching North City Commission and Islamic Affairs), Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, during the ‘International Seminar on Humanity and Climate Change Crisis: A Multidimensional Perspective’, at Kompleks Islam Kuching here today.
Sarawak, he added, is leveraging the challenges of climate change to drive economic and social transformation, not hinder it.
“This commitment is outlined in the Sarawak Sustainability Master Plan 2030, which promotes integrated and environmentally conscious development,” he said.
Key initiatives under the plan include expanding the hydrogen economy to support industrial decarbonisation, scaling up hydroelectric power as a renewable energy source, and launching carbon projects that support forest conservation.
“With this strategy, Sarawak is not only charting a new course in Malaysia, but we are positioning ourselves as the battery of ASEAN. We are not waiting to be led; we choose to lead,” Abang Johari said.
Among those present were Deputy Minister for Energy and Environmental Sustainability, Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni; Sarawak Islamic Council President, Datuk Misnu Taha; Sarawak Mufti, Datuk Kipli Yassin; Institute of Islamic Understanding Malaysia (IKIM) Deputy Chairman, Professor Emeritus Datuk Dr Mohd Yusof Othman; and IKIM Director-General, Associate Professor Datuk Dr Mohamed Azam Mohamed Adil.
