MANILA: Sarawak continues to strengthen its green development agenda by focusing on clean energy, low-carbon technology and efforts to address climate change.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said climate change requires the government and industrial sector to explore new approaches and technologies capable of reducing carbon emissions without compromising economic growth.
He said Sarawak had an advantage through its natural resources and energy resources, including forest areas which play an important role in maintaining environmental balance.
“Future development needs to be planned by taking into account the needs of future generations, including ensuring that the environment continues to be preserved,” he said in a TVS report during a fireside chat at the Asian Development Bank (ADB) headquarters in Manila today (Sept 8).
He added that Sarawak is planning the Kuching low-carbon hub, which would focus on manufacturing facilities and services based on low-carbon processes.
“Industries in the future need to shift towards operations that produce lower carbon emissions to meet changing global market standards,” he added.
He also viewed the development of carbon trading as a new economic opportunity for Sarawak, particularly by leveraging its natural advantages in supporting efforts to reduce carbon emissions.
In the transport sector, Abang Johari also emphasised the use of hydrogen technology through the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) project in Kuching.
“Although new technologies such as hydrogen require high costs at the initial stage, their use has the potential to become more viable as the technology develops and the scale of usage increases,” he said.
To ensure that climate- and energy-related policies remain relevant, he said Sarawak had also established the Sarawak Climate and Energy Diplomacy Unit to monitor global developments as well as changes in policies related to climate and energy.
Abang Johari said the government needed to accurately anticipate future challenges before formulating policies and making development decisions.
“Economic development cannot be separated from environmental sustainability as both need to move in tandem to ensure Sarawak remains competitive in the global economy,” said Abang Johari.
