Federal, Sarawak to form special committee to coordinate carbon policy

KUCHING (April 9): The federal and Sarawak governments have agreed to establish a special committee to coordinate the implementation of the national carbon policy, said Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup.

The federal Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability said the committee will ensure a more structured, uniform and effective approach to developing Malaysia’s carbon market.

According to a Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas) report, Arthur said the move is also aimed at harmonising the assessment and development of a carbon credit registration system between both governments.

“Sarawak has already passed its Greenhouse Gas Ordinance, which means it has its own regulatory framework.

“When we introduce a national framework, we must ensure harmonisation between the federal and state levels, particularly in carbon credit pricing.

“Sarawak cannot have a different price, and neither can the federal government, as carbon credits generated in Sarawak will contribute to Malaysia’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) under the Paris Agreement,” he said after a courtesy call on Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg at Kompleks Satria Pertiwi here.

He said Sarawak plays a pivotal role in the national carbon market due to its forest coverage of more than 64 per cent.

“Active participation from the state is crucial to ensure the effective implementation of the National Carbon Market Policy (DPKK),” he added.

Arthur also said discussions with the Premier touched on the Malaysia-Brunei and Malaysia-Indonesia boundary demarcation, as well as the return of federal land to Sarawak under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).

He added that the Climate Change Bill is expected to be tabled in Parliament in June and expressed hope for support from all parties, including Sarawak members of Parliament, for its passage.

Also present was State Deputy Minister of Energy and Environmental Sustainability Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni.