Learn from Sarawak’s innovative approach to address climate change, Deputy Minister tells stakeholders

Dr Hazland (second right) participating in the panel session with others at National Sustainable Development Goals Summit 2024 in Kuala Lumpur.

By DayakDaily Team

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 18: Stakeholders in various sectors in Malaysia should learn from Sarawak’s innovative approach to effectively address climate change, says Sarawak Deputy Minister for Energy and Environmental Sustainability (MEESty) Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni.

According to a press release, he said the State focuses on its strengths, such as its vast land mass, 62 per cent which is covered by forests and huge areas of peat, and blue-carbon in the ocean, which serve as significant carbon sinks and can be utilised through carbon credits and carbon trading.

Additionally, he said, Sarawak is blessed with many rivers, which have enabled the development of hydroelectricity, floating solar energy, and the hydrogen industry.

“Sarawak is also blessed with visionary and brave leadership in our Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg who has initiated all these green initiatives through MEESty and the Sarawak cabinet.

“Sarawak’s green initiative is based on four frameworks: the legal framework, the technical framework, the financial/business economic framework, and the talent development framework.

“This is part of the Post-Covid Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 strategy under the Environmental Sustainability pillar besides Social Inclusivity and Economic Prosperity.

“Sarawak will be able to double its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to RM 282 billion by 2030 if the implemented strategies are successful,” he was reported as saying during a panel session at National Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Summit 2024 at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre recently.

Dr Hazland also highlighted recent legal amendments including updates to the Land Code, Forest Ordinance, and Environmental Ordinance 2023, supporting Sarawak’s green initiatives.

“Sarawak also has its own Energy Transition Policy and Green Economy Policy, with additional policies in development, such as the Waste-to-Energy Policy,” he added.

He also encouraged forum participants to engage actively in discussions and collaborations, acknowledging that their contributions are vital in shaping and implementing the transition of sustainability and strategies for achieving a net-zero economy.

“Together, we can learn from Sarawak’s innovative approach and explore how similar strategies can be applied across our nation and region,” he emphasised. — DayakDaily