BY NURA VALENTIANA LORNA & NURIN PATRA
KUCHING: Sarawak is determined to transform its development model to position itself as a clean state, recognised internationally.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said local government planning must integrate innovative and sustainable ideas to deliver better services, while uplifting the state’s global standing as a progressive and environmentally conscious economy.
He stressed that climate change and international standards now demand new approaches, requiring Sarawak to move beyond conventional infrastructure priorities such as roads, water supply and electricity.
“We are transforming our development methods at the local government level with new ideas, not just to serve our people but to raise Sarawak as a clean state respected globally,” he said during the Localisation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) For Sarawak Local Authorities today (Oct 21).
He explained that greenhouse gas emissions had become a pressing issue, and governments must align their development with global expectations, including compliance with Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles.
“In the past, it was enough to build roads, water supply and electricity. But today, it is different — we don’t want our towns covered in smoke.
“That is why ESG has been introduced by the United Nations, to ensure balance in how we develop our state, including our cities,” he added.
Abang Johari noted that Sarawak was the first state in the region to deploy hydrogen-powered public transport, including buses and the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART), producing 130 kilogrammes of hydrogen daily.
“Many doubted my idea when I introduced hydrogen. But we did not want our public transport to release smoke, so I replaced fossil fuel with hydrogen.
“Other states do not have this yet. We are the first to use hydrogen for our public transport, and this is what sustainability is about,” he said.
The Premier added that sustainable urban planning must also emphasise greenery, with trees and flowers planted to absorb carbon, improve air quality and create healthier living spaces.
He stressed that Sarawak’s pursuit of ESG principles and sustainable development would ensure the state continues to provide a healthy environment for its citizens while attracting global recognition.
“Look at Singapore — they plant trees everywhere even though they have no forests. We have forests but sometimes we just leave them. Cities must be planned properly with trees,” he said.
