KUCHING: Sarawak continues to chart a forward-looking path in its clean energy and environmental sustainability agenda, with the state government exploring fresh partnerships aimed at cutting methane emissions and greening maritime operations.
Deputy Minister for Energy and Environmental Sustainability, Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni said Sarawak remains open to strategic collaborations that are science-backed and results-driven, particularly those that align with the state’s Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
“We welcome initiatives that offer practical impact. What we need are data-driven solutions and strong inter-agency coordination to push these efforts forward,” he said.
He concurred with the statement following a courtesy visit from representatives of the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) and Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus on Tuesday (June 24) who presented ideas for reducing oil and gas methane emissions and advancing maritime decarbonisation efforts.
Led by EDF’s senior director for Global Energy Transition Dr Shareen Yawanarajah and Swinburne Sarawak’s professor Ir Dr Basil Wong, the delegation presented preliminary concepts that they hope to develop into formal proposals.
Dr Hazland said the Ministry would consider the initiatives once a detailed submission is received, after which engagement with relevant state agencies will take place.
“The potential collaboration signals Sarawak’s ambition to not only align with international climate goals but to lead by example in sustainable oil and gas management and cleaner maritime practices.
“EDF brings global environmental expertise, while Swinburne contributes academic and research strengths, a combination the Ministry believes could help deliver measurable outcomes for the state’s energy and environmental sectors.
“As we transition to a low-carbon future, Sarawak will continue to partner with institutions and organisations that share our vision of sustainability and resilience,” he said.