KUCHING: The Sarawak Government prioritises environmental sustainability in the state through the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Sarawak Deputy Minister for Energy and Environmental Sustainability, Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni, said that this is an essential step in developing a resilient Sarawak, minimising negative environmental impacts and ensuring the well-being of the people.

"This is recognised worldwide. Therefore, we have signed the Paris Agreement, where 195 countries agreed to take steps to reduce carbon emissions in various ways. 

But if we look, only a few countries are genuinely taking steps and are truly committed to reducing carbon emissions. 

Earlier, there was a slide on SDGs, perhaps the last SDG, SDG number 17, which emphasises that cooperation among us is crucial,"  he said.

He said this during the Sarawak Sustainable Seminar held at the Sarawak State Library Gallery here, on Thursday.

He added that the seminar serves as a platform to discuss approaches to the challenges faced by the global conservation community.

"So, we hope that cooperation as mentioned in SDG 17 is practised not only between countries but also among states, agencies, and the people, to truly live sustainably by reducing the use of pollutants. 

Although the transportation sector contributes less than 15 per cent of air pollution, the aviation industry has a much higher contribution. Secondly, there is the oil industry, followed by heavy industries such as cement, aluminium, steel, fertiliser, and so on," he said.  

The seminar aims to raise awareness about the SDGs, educate participants on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, and emphasise their importance in addressing global challenges.

Also present were the Chairman of the Sarawak State Library Management Board, Datuk Dr Abang Abdul Rauf Abang Zen, Deputy Chairman of the Sarawak State Library Management Board, Datu Dr Rashidah, i-CATS Publisher Director, Associate Professor Dr Abdul Mutalip Abdullah, Sarawak State Library Management Board Member, Dr Rita Manurung, and Chief Executive Officer of Sarawak State Library, Japri Bujang Masli. -UKASnews