Sarawak has strengthened its climate governance framework with the establishment of the Sarawak Climate and Energy Diplomacy Unit (SACED) to enhance strategic coordination in climate, energy and sustainability matters at both domestic and international levels.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the unit, established in April this year under his department, will ensure that Sarawak’s approach to climate governance remains coherent, credible and aligned with its broader economic and international positioning.
“That is why the Sarawak Climate and Energy Diplomacy Unit (SACED) was established in April this year under my department to strengthen strategic coordination at both the domestic and international levels in climate, energy and sustainability matters,” he said in his winding-up speech during the DUN Sitting today (May 20).
Abang Johari said the establishment of SACED is part of Sarawak’s broader efforts to strengthen institutions that will guide and sustain the state’s climate action as it advances its energy transition agenda.
He said Sarawak is also working closely with the World Bank through the Subnational Climate Change Institutional Assessment (CCIA), which evaluates existing climate policies and the readiness of institutions, budgeting systems and coordination mechanisms to implement them effectively.
He explained that climate action is closely linked to land, forests, water and natural resources, areas where Sarawak holds significant constitutional responsibilities and special authority under the Federal Constitution and the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
“This allows Sarawak to leverage its natural carbon sinks to support sustainable economic growth,” he said.
Abang Johari said the Ministry of Energy and Environmental Sustainability Sarawak is currently implementing the recommendations of the CCIA.
He also noted that Sarawak has enacted the Environment (Reduction of Greenhouse Gases Emission) Ordinance 2023, which provides a legal framework for regulating emissions, registering carbon credits, and developing a state-level carbon levy and pricing system.
Abang Johari added that Sarawak is exploring emerging climate technologies and international collaborations, including seawater-based carbon removal, low-carbon hydrogen co-production and advanced carbon management solutions.
“These next-generation technologies have the potential to support future opportunities in carbon markets, green fuels and sustainable industrial development,” he said.
He stressed that climate, energy and sustainability are no longer purely environmental concerns, but are now integral to economic planning and Sarawak’s long-term competitiveness.
