KUCHING: Sarawak is in a strong position to lead efforts in tackling climate change, guided by a commitment to sustainable development and net zero emissions by 2050.

Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg said that with environmental autonomy resulting from negotiations under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) through the Natural Resources and Environment Bill 2024 passed during the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) Sitting, the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) will take over environmental responsibilities from the Federal Department of Environment.

He said this governance transition is a turning point that gives the Sarawak government the power to formulate and implement environmental policies tailored to the unique needs and challenges of the region.

"We are the leaders. With the framework provided by MA63 and the Environment (Greenhouse Gas Emissions) Ordinance 2024, we are equipped to drive economic growth, sustainability and the protection of our heritage.

"To ensure the effective implementation of this responsibility, the Sarawak government is committed to providing the NREB with adequate resources, capacity building support and state-of-the-art tools to carry out these critical tasks with excellence," he said.

He said this when speaking at the Premier Sarawak Environmental Award (PSEA) 2023/2024 Presentation Ceremony at a leading hotel here on Wednesday.

Furthermore, Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari added that the key outcomes of COP29 in Baku include strengthening commitments to carbon pricing, financing green infrastructure and increasing investment in sustainable technologies.

Therefore, he said, Sarawak is aligned with this global goal by advancing clean energy solutions such as hydroelectricity, solar and hydrogen.

"We are also leading with the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Ordinance and promoting sustainable practices to address climate change and drive long-term growth," he explained.

Also present were Sarawak Deputy Premiers, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, Minister of Food Industry, Commodityand Regional Development, Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, Sarawak Secretary, Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Deputy Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment, Datuk Len Talif Salleh, Deputy Minister of Energy and Environmental Sustainability Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni and other dignitaries. -UKASnews