MARUDI: The success of Sarawak’s first carbon project, the Marudi Forest Conservation and Restoration for Verified Carbon Standard Programme by SaraCarbon Sdn Bhd, hinges on continuous community engagement and transparent information-sharing.
In stating this, the Premier’s Department Deputy Minister Datuk Gerawat Gala said the engagement process should not be a one-time affair but an ongoing initiative to ensure local communities fully understand the project and its impact.
He advised SaraCarbon to provide accurate and comprehensive information to stakeholders, including community leaders, NGOs, and local authorities, to avoid speculation and misinformation.
He also encouraged community leaders to seek clarity on the project so they could effectively convey its significance and implications to their respective communities.
“This SaraCarbon project, being the first in Sarawak, will set a precedent for other similar projects.
“It is part of the government’s policy to develop our green economy while ensuring environmental sustainability and responsible management of our natural resources. Furthermore, it aligns with our Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030, which aims to make Sarawak a prosperous and high-income state through sustainable initiatives,” he said.
He said this during the opening of a two-day workshop and engagement session involving representatives from SaraCarbon, Resident and District office Marudi, Telang Usan and Beluru, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas), NGOs and community leaders from 50 longhouses and villages here on Feb 24.
Addressing concerns raised by NGOs, Gerawat reiterated that Native Customary Rights (NCR) land is not included in the project area.
After reviewing an aerial view of the Marudi Baram landscape, which is predominantly peatland, he urged communities not to be misled by claims regarding land issues and to collaborate with stakeholders to ensure the project’s success.
Meanwhile, Public Health, Housing and Local Government Deputy Minister Datuk Penguang Manggil suggested that SaraCarbon and Unimas conduct engagement sessions in local dialects to ensure better understanding among affected communities.
“The concept of carbon trading is very new and highly technical. It is important that the Iban community receives briefings in Iban, while the Kiput community is addressed in Kiput.
“This will ensure that people grasp the details of the project and its implications more effectively,” he said.
The workshop was organised with the aim to raise awareness about the project area, planned activities, and opportunities for local community involvement.
