BY ZION KONG | Head of SaraCarbon
The worldwide move towards sustainable and nature-based climate solutions has never been more critical as the climate crisis accelerates. Leading this change in Sarawak, Malaysia, SaraCarbon drives community-led projects that combine rural economic development with carbon sequestration and biodiversity protection.
Nature-Based Alternatives for Malaysia’s Net-Zero
In line with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s reaffirmation of Malaysia’s commitment to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, SaraCarbon’s work directly supports national targets to reduce carbon intensity by 45 per cent by 2030. Key national policies guiding this effort include:
- National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR)
- A potential introduction of a carbon tax, expected by 2026
Malaysia’s leadership on the global stage — including its active participation in high-level climate discussions in preparation for COP30 and its upcoming ASEAN 2025 chairmanship — highlights the urgent need for scalable, inclusive climate solutions. SaraCarbon responds with Verra-certified carbon projects rooted in community involvement and ecological restoration.
What Differentiates SaraCarbon?
SaraCarbon’s strength lies in its high-integrity, community-centric approach to carbon offsetting. Its nature-based solutions (NbS) deliver multiple co-benefits that go beyond traditional industrial offset models.
Through Verra’s Verified Carbon Standard (VCS), SaraCarbon projects have empowered local communities by generating green employment, especially in areas vulnerable to environmental degradation, while supporting ecosystem and wildlife restoration.
SaraCarbon offers a legitimate path to carbon transition by building strategic partnerships with corporate and institutional investors to help them meet their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) targets.
Impact on the Ground
Its recent fieldwork includes tree planting, livestock assistance for alternative livelihoods, and donations to schools in Marudi and Tinjar.
SaraCarbon’s mission comes to life through real, ground-based initiatives. Ongoing projects include two community tree-planting programmes, two livestock start-up assistance projects, and one school donation drive.
May 10, 2025 — Tree Planting at Rh Jilan Anak Chaong, Sungai Gerunggang, Ulu Sebatu:
Attended by government officials, including Tommy Lasit (Pejabat Daerah Kecil Tinjar) and officers from the Forest Department of Miri, the event gathered 87 participants.
Tree planting included 60 Gaharu trees (from Sarawak Forest Department); and seven each of Petai, Mangga, Durian, and Rambutan (provided by SaraCarbon). Community members also coordinated grass trimming along Rh Jilan’s entrance walkway.
The Tuai Rumah expressed appreciation to SaraCarbon for restoring both the environment and community pride.
May 16, 2025 — Livestock Start-Up Assistance, Marudi:
Held at the SaraCarbon Marudi Office and officiated by Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration, and Project Monitoring), Datuk Gerawat Gala, this event benefitted 36 farmers.
The villages involved were Rh Cr Michael Selangkor; Sg Brit (Projek Ayam Penelur); Rh Henry Iboh; Logan Tunga (Projek Babi); and Rh Gerinang, Logan Tasong (Projek Itik Penelur). Also in attendance were Pemanca Randie Bundan, Penghulu Keir Sulang Ujai, Penghulu Jimbau Ena, Penghulu Philip Dagang, Penghulu Blalang Atom; and SaraCarbon staff.
Gerawat commended the initiative, noting its alignment with sustainable development goals and its contributions to increased income, job opportunities, and overall wellbeing.
Tree Planting at Rh Gawong Anak Jantau, Sungai Selejau, Marudi:
Attended by 59 participants, including Penghulu Keir Sulang Ujai and Tuai Rumah Gawong Jantau, this event saw the planting of 15 Rambutan Anak Sekolah and 15 Mangga Madu seedlings (provided by SaraCarbon).
The initiative offered local employment and fostered collaboration between the government and rural communities in balancing economic growth with environmental rehabilitation.
Penghulu Keir voiced hopes for more such empowering programmes in the future.
May 19, 2025 — School Donation at SK Benawa, Baram:
SaraCarbon donated essential items to students residing in the SK Benawa hostel. The ceremony was attended by Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) Deputy Chairman Mohd Saiful Ali, Ustaz Aiman Syafiq, teachers, parents, and SaraCarbon staff.
Donations included solar lights (six units), solar fans (six), steam irons (two), and various hygiene items to support B40 family students and promote good hygiene practices.
May 23, 2025 — Livestock Start-Up Assistance, Tuyut Site Office:
Officiated by Baram MP Datuk Anyi Ngau, this symbolic handover benefitted 23 farmers from four Ulu Sebatu villages: Rh Jemat Ak Antau, Rh Duri Ak Atek, Rh Kalum Ak Jugah, and Rh Jilan Ak Chaong.
Community leaders in attendance included Penghulu Kalang Ami, Penghulu Nyadang Rengkan, Cr Joseph Lawai Apoi, and SAO Alvin Mang. The project, under Projek Permulaan Penternakan Babi (Fasa 1), contributed to enhanced income, increased job availability, and better living conditions.
Conserving Nature to Provide Alternative Livelihoods
SaraCarbon’s projects act as social and economic accelerators, not just environmental initiatives. Programmes include:
- Community Tree Planting and Employment
- Forest Ranger Engagement
- Community rangers track biodiversity and prevent illegal logging.
- These roles provide green employment and safeguard Sarawak’s rich ecosystems.
- Artisanal Handicrafts
- Local artisans use sustainably grown resources.
- These projects generate valuable agroforestry-based income.
Looking Ahead: Scaling with Integrity
With nature-based solutions expected to drive much of the US$50 billion voluntary carbon market by 2030 in Malaysia and Southeast Asia, SaraCarbon is set to lead by example in ethical carbon initiatives.
SaraCarbon provides a clear, impactful, and community-first approach to climate action — whether your organisation aims to offset emissions in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) or through collaboration with UNIMAS in community-based activities.
Explore partnership opportunities or learn more about upcoming engagements at www.saracarbon.com.
