KUCHING: Sarawak is committed to combating global carbon emissions by expanding its tree planting initiatives and enhancing its forests as carbon sinks.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg noted that during the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belem, Brazil recently, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has raised concerns on the future of the planet.
“This is because it seems there is uncontrollable emission of carbon and the reluctance of some countries to adhere to the UN climate agendas.
“Against this backdrop, Sarawak is serious and committed to contributing to global efforts to mitigate carbon emissions,” he said.
He said when officiating at the opening of the International Conference on Industrial Forest Plantation Research and Innovation (ICFPRI) 2025 here last night.
Abang Johari, who is also the Energy and Environmental Sustainability Minister, said carbon mitigation depends on removing carbon from the atmosphere, and Sarawak’s rich biodiversity and forests play a crucial role as natural carbon sinks and has land area to store carbon.
“Against this shift in economic emphasis, the state also has to shift the way we manage our forests. We must plant trees to create a carbon sink in order to get rid of this carbon,” he said.
He added that beyond preserving natural forests, the state must actively enrich them by planting more trees using seeds or grafted saplings supported by scientific research.
“This is where science comes in. We must research ways to plant more trees in a short period to build carbon storage capacity, absorb carbon, and at the same time produce more oxygen,” he said.
He also pointed out the economic dimension of forestry has evolved where forests are no longer only a source of timber but are now integral to the emerging carbon trading market.
“This is a new formula altogether by the world to face and find solutions to our global climate problem.
“Sarawak is pushing for a green economy to both produce oxygen and absorb carbon,” he said.
Abang Johari also noted that the UN has set a goal for zero carbon—or carbon neutrality—by 2050.
“It’s just a matter of 25 years. There are countries that face difficulties to mitigate carbon, particularly industrial countries.
“Hence, timber forest is no longer for timber products, but rather a scientific process through modern technology to enrich our rich biodiversity, increase its reservoir of biodiversity.
“It is also to maintain and conserve the ancient sphere of our biodiversity. And the Sarawak government is doing all that,” he said.
