by ZION KONG
AS the climate crisis intensifies globally, the urgency for sustainable and nature-based climate solutions has never been more critical.
In Sarawak, SaraCarbon is at the forefront of this transformation, championing community-driven projects that blend rural economic development with carbon sequestration and biodiversity protection.
In line with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s reaffirmation of Malaysia’s commitment to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, SaraCarbon’s efforts directly support national goals to reduce carbon intensity by 45 per cent by 2030.
These goals are outlined in key national policies such as the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) and the anticipated introduction of a carbon tax in 2026.
Malaysia’s role on the international stage, including preparations for COP30 and its forthcoming Asean 2025 chairmanship, underscores the need for scalable and inclusive climate solutions.
SaraCarbon answers this call through Verra-certified carbon projects rooted in community involvement and ecological restoration.
What sets SaraCarbon apart is its high-integrity, community-centric approach to carbon offsetting. Its nature-based solutions (NbS) generate co-benefits that go beyond traditional industrial offset models.
These include local employment generation, ecosystem and wildlife restoration especially in vulnerable areas and strategic partnerships with corporate and institutional investors seeking to meet Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) targets.
Tangible Impacts in Local Communities
SaraCarbon brings its vision to life through concrete, on-the-ground efforts.
Recent initiatives include tree planting, livestock start-up assistance for alternative livelihoods, and school donations in rural areas.
On May 10, a tree-planting project took place at Rh Jilan Chaong, Sungai Gerunggang, Ulu Sebatu.
The event, attended by government officials, including Tommy Lasit from Pejabat Daerah Kecil Tinjar and officers from the Forest Department of Miri, involved 87 participants.
Trees planted included 60 Gaharu (from the Sarawak Forest Department), and seven each of Petai, Mangga, Durian, and Rambutan (supplied by SaraCarbon).
Community members also coordinated grass trimming at Rh Jilan’s entrance walk.
The Tuai Rumah expressed gratitude to SaraCarbon for restoring both the environment and community pride.
On May 16, Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department Datuk Gerawat Gala officiated the handover of livestock start-up assistance at the SaraCarbon Marudi office.
Attendees included local leaders such as Pemanca Randie Bundan and several penghulu.
Thirty-six farmers from three villages benefitted from the initiative: Rh Cr Michael Selangkor (Projek Ayam Penelur), Rh Henry Iboh (Projek Babi), and Rh Gerinang (Projek Itik Penelur).
Gerawat praised SaraCarbon’s alignment with government sustainability policies and encouraged more community involvement.
The impact includes increased income, job creation, and improved well-being.
Another tree-planting event was held on May 18 at Rh Gawong Jantau, Sungai Selejau, Marudi, attended by Penghulu Keir Sulang Ujai, the Tuai Rumah, and 59 others.
SaraCarbon provided seedlings for 15 Rambutan Anak Sekolah and 15 Mangga Madu trees.
The project generated local jobs and bolstered the collaboration between government and community.
Keir expressed his hope to see more programmes like this that support and empower the communities.
On May 19, SaraCarbon presented donations to SK Benawa students residing in the school hostel in Baram.
The event was witnessed by Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) deputy chairman Mohd Saiful Ali, Ustaz Aiman Syafiq, other teachers, parents, and SaraCarbon staff.
Items donated included six solar lights, six solar fans, two standing steam irons, and various hygiene items for 17 students, most from B40 families.
The initiative aimed to improve hostel facilities and encourage good hygiene habits among students.
On May 23, Baram MP Datuk Anyi Ngau officiated the handover of livestock assistance at SaraCarbon’s Tuyut Site Office.
The event drew attendance from local leaders, including Penghulu Kalang Ami and SAO Alvin Mang, as well as 36 village representatives and staff.
Under ‘Projek Permulaan Penternakan Babi, Fasa 1’, 23 farmers from Rh Jemat Antau, Rh Duri Atek, Rh Kalum Jugah, and Rh Jilan Chaong received livestock aid.
Anyi expressed appreciation for SaraCarbon’s work and encouraged wider participation.
The initiative further contributed to income generation, job creation, and improved community welfare.
Beyond Environment: Socioeconomic Uplift
SaraCarbon’s projects function not only as environmental solutions but also as accelerators for social and economic development.
The company’s community tree planting initiatives are designed to create employment while contributing to ecological restoration.
Its forest ranger programme provides green jobs by hiring local community members to track biodiversity and prevent illegal logging, helping safeguard Sarawak’s rich ecosystems.
Additionally, SaraCarbon supports artisanal local handicrafters by encouraging them to use sustainably grown resources to produce goods.
This initiative not only preserves cultural heritage but also opens up new sources of alternative income through high-value agroforestry crops.
Looking Ahead: Integrity in Scaling Up
With nature-based solutions expected to dominate a USD50 billion voluntary carbon market by 2030 across Malaysia and Southeast Asia, SaraCarbon aims to set a new standard for ethical carbon initiatives.
The company offers a transparent, impactful, and community-first approach to climate action, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and carried out in collaboration with institutions like UNIMAS.
Whether for businesses seeking carbon offsets or policymakers working on sustainable development, SaraCarbon’s model offers a clear path forward rooted in community empowerment.
To explore partnership opportunities or learn more about upcoming activities, visit www.saracarbon.com. SaraCarbon will also be participating in the Asia Carbon Conference to further its mission.
