KUCHING: The Federal and Sarawak governments will form a special committee to coordinate Malaysia’s national carbon policy and strengthen a structured, consistent, high-impact approach to developing the carbon market.
Malaysia’s Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES), Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup, said the formation of the committee is crucial to ensure all carbon-related policies and implementations are carried out through joint consultations between both parties.
He added that the move also seeks to harmonise the assessment and development of the carbon credit registration system between the Federal Government and Sarawak, in line with Malaysia’s international commitments.
“Sarawak has already passed the Greenhouse Gas Ordinance. So Sarawak already has its own regulations and framework.
“So when we bring in the national framework, we need to ensure it can be harmonised between the federal and state levels, especially regarding carbon credit pricing.
“Sarawak cannot have a different price, and the Federation cannot have a different price either, because carbon credits generated from Sarawak will also contribute to the country’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) internationally, particularly when we report under the Paris Agreement,” he said.
He made the remarks after paying a courtesy visit to Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg at the Satria Pertiwi Complex today.
He noted that Sarawak plays a key role in the development of the national carbon market, as the state has forest coverage exceeding 64 per cent.
According to him, Sarawak’s active involvement is significant in ensuring the effective implementation of the National Carbon Market Policy (DPKK).
In related developments, he said the National Climate Change Bill is expected to be tabled in Parliament in June. He expressed hope for support from all parties, including Sarawak’s representatives, to ensure the approval of the policy.
Additionally, he said the discussion with the Premier also touched on the determination of Malaysia-Brunei and Malaysia-Indonesia borders, as well as developments regarding the return of Federal land to the Sarawak Government under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
