KUCHING: While progressing through various phases of development, Sarawak continues to place environmental sustainability at the heart of its agenda, reflecting the state’s commitment to responsible growth and long-term ecological stewardship.

Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Abang Openg, emphasised that environmental protection not only ensures long-term ecological balance but also serves as a key driver in the development of the tourism sector.

“Environmental preservation is closely linked to tourism, and it is vital that we protect our natural surroundings,” he said.

“Although we already have over five million hectares of permanent forest conservation, in addition to our national parks and protected natural reserves,” he added. “This is important to safeguard our wildlife, which we wish to share with the rest of the world.”

He made these remarks when officiating the 33rd Meeting of the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Council, held at a leading hotel in Kuching on Thursday.

Expanding on Sarawak’s approach, the Premier stated that the state’s emphasis on environmental sustainability is integral to its broader efforts in preserving cultural heritage, ensuring that such legacies are protected and passed down to future generations.

In line with these objectives, the Sarawak Government is also advancing its renewable energy agenda, focusing on sustainable sources such as hydrogen, solar, and hydropower.

These initiatives, he explained, position Sarawak as a key contributor to the ASEAN Power Grid—a role recognised by the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim—with Sarawak already supplying electricity to neighbouring regions, including Sabah and Indonesia.

“In addition, Sarawak is currently working with the governments of Brunei Darussalam and Singapore, with plans to supply electricity to both,” the Sarawak Premier noted.

Earlier, Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari also held a meeting with ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Ministers.

The event was attended by the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, Sarawak Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, ASEAN Secretary-General, Dr Kao Kim Hourn, as well as Deputy Ministers of Sarawak, Deputy Sarawak Secretary (Operation), Datu Hii Chang Kee, and other distinguished guests. -UKASnews