KUCHING: With just over 1,500 days left towards the year 2030, Sarawak is racing against time to achieve its Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 goals.
Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu, therefore urged all stakeholders to work collectively to drive the state’s agenda forward.
“What you do today will have an impact tomorrow. But my advice is that, sometimes what we do is not easily adopted by people,” he said when officiating the 2025 JCI Malaysia Sustainable Development Award Summit opening ceremony at Imperial Hotel here today.
Rentap commended JCI members and young leaders for already taking proactive steps in sustainability, noting that some of their initiatives are ahead of government efforts.
“What the government is doing, you are already moving steps ahead of us. This shows how important it is for communities to take ownership if we want real change,” he stressed.
At the same time, he highlighted Sarawak’s push towards green energy as part of PCDS 2030, noting that the State is the first in Malaysia to introduce a carbon capture and storage law.
“Our Attorney-General is now consulting with the state government on how this law can be expanded nationwide. This shows how far ahead Sarawak has moved in preparing for a green economy,” he said.
He also highlighted the urgency of adapting to climate and environmental challenges, pointing out that floods, extreme weather, and other disruptions are clear reminders that solutions must start at the community level.
Rentap reminded that the three pillars of PCDS 2030 – economic prosperity, social inclusivity and environmental sustainability – require not only government policies but also grassroots action.
“Change must begin within ourselves. Everyone has a role to play, and young people in particular should use innovation and imagination to create a better future,” he added.
The summit, which brought together youth leaders, change-makers and sustainability advocates from across Malaysia, aimed to recognise and celebrate projects aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Rentap congratulated the organisers for bringing the event to Kuching, describing it as a timely platform to align global aspirations with local actions.
