Anwar open to Sabah, Sarawak push for fair share of revenue from carbon trading

Abang Johari said the federal government was “quite receptive” to the views of states, including Sabah and Sarawak, that any carbon revenue mechanism must recognise the contribution and ownership of states that manage vast forest resources.

Abang Johari added that revenue “is a very sensitive matter”.

“That is why we have discussed that even if the federal government imposes a carbon tax, it must be fair to the owners of the assets that produce oxygen.

“In this respect, I believe the federal government is receptive to ensuring that we have a fair revenue resource from carbon trading,” he was quoted as saying by the Dayak Daily.

Abang Johari said forests, land and carbon capture, utilisation and storage fall under the state’s jurisdiction.

Therefore, he said there must be a harmonious relationship between the federal and state governments in managing resources that fall under the state list.

Last month, Abang Johari called for Sabah and Sarawak to receive at least 70% of any carbon tax revenue collected by Putrajaya, as the two states serve as Malaysia’s primary carbon sinks.