Japan’s Sumitomo eyes strategic cooperation in Sarawak’s blue carbon, green devt efforts

Awang Tengah (centre), Len Talif (second left), and others during discussions with representatives of Sumitomo Corporation in Kuching on May 12, 2026. Photo: Ukas

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, May 12: Japan’s Sumitomo Corporation is eyeing strategic cooperation in Sarawak’s sustainable carbon development, environmental conservation, and blue carbon projects.

In a Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) report, this followed a courtesy visit from three senior officials of Sumitomo to Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, in which Sumitomo views Sarawak as a region with strong potential in terms of forest conservation, biodiversity, stable government policies, and commitment to green development and a low-carbon economy.

During the courtesy visit, Sumitomo outlined its preliminary project proposal focusing on a phased development approach beginning with corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes, feasibility studies, strengthening local community capacity, and eventually progressing towards voluntary carbon projects capable of generating carbon credits in the future.

Additionally, discussions also touched on potential collaboration under the Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM) between Malaysia and Japan, which could open opportunities for carbon project development that would benefit both countries.

Meanwhile, Awang Tengah said that the Sarawak government welcomes investments that can add value to the State’s development— particularly those aligned with environmental sustainability, biodiversity conservation, and green economic development agendas—which must comply with the State government’s policies and regulations while ensuring that the interests of the people, local communities, and preservation of natural resources remain priorities.

Among those present were Deputy Minister for Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Datuk Len Talif Salleh; Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Urban Development Datu Abdullah Julaihi; director of the Sarawak Forest Department Datu Hamden Mohammad; and Sarawak Controller of Environmental Quality Datu Jack Liam. — DayakDaily