KUCHING: As the global community reflects on the outcomes of COP28, Sarawak and Southeast Asia remain dedicated to advancing climate policies and speeding up the shift towards a low-carbon economy.
Sarawak Deputy Minister for Energy and Environmental Sustainability Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni said he is confident that with strong leadership, strategic investments and collaboration among stakeholders, the region can serve as a shining example of green growth and sustainable development.
"Last year, Sarawak achieved a milestone by being the first state in Malaysia to enact groundbreaking legislation addressing climate change through the Environment (Reduction of Greenhouse Gases Emission) Bill.
"This pioneering law aims to control greenhouse gas emissions, promote carbon capture and storage technologies and achieve zero emissions by 2050.
"It mandates businesses to submit reports on carbon emissions and sets emission limits with penalties for non-compliance,” he said in a statement on Tuesday.
Building on this progress, the Sarawak government intends to establish, among others, carbon pricing mechanisms, energy transition strategies, digital carbon management platform, carbon levy, hydrogen economy, methanation, biofuels, offshore wind and energy efficiency technologies.
These actions align with Malaysia’s commitments under the Paris Agreement to reduce carbon intensity as much as 45 per cent by 2030.
Given its energy resources, Datuk Dr Hazland, who is also the Demak Laut assemblyman, said Sarawak is well positioned to take a leading role in driving decarbonisation efforts across the country.
"Being a state rich in biodiversity, Sarawak recognises the urgent need to balance economic development with forest conservation.
"Our state boasts the largest forest cover in Malaysia, acting as critical carbon sinks. To protect these precious ecosystems, we are investing in nature-based solutions like reforestation, while strictly regulating industries like palm oil,” he added.
Meanwhile, he said Sarawak is also pioneering innovations in algae-based biofuels, as a green alternative to fossil fuels.
The state's vast continental shelf offers immense carbon storage capacity, with projects like the Kasawari offshore CCS development poised to capture millions of tonnes of carbon dioxide per year.
Datuk Dr Hazland explained, by protecting and enhancing its natural capital, the state aims to become a net carbon sink.
"The road from COP28 to a net-zero future is long and winding, but Sarawak and Southeast Asia remain undaunted. With our abundant natural resources, dynamic economies and youthful populations, we have the potential to leapfrog development pathways and build a cleaner, greener, more resilient region.
"Success will require unwavering political will, sustained investment flows, tech transfer support and a just transition for communities.
"We call upon the global community, especially developed nations most responsible for the climate crisis, to partner with us through robust climate finance, capacity-building and knowledge-sharing. Together, we can turn the tide and secure a thriving planet for generations to come,” he said. -UKASnews
