Sarawak Budget 2024: RM1.4mil allocated to Forest Dept to quantify forest carbon stock in State

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By Shikin Louis

KUCHING, Nov 20: The Sarawak government is allocating RM1.4 million for the Forest Department Sarawak (FDS) to undertake a detailed forest carbon assessment to determine the current status of carbon stock in forested areas next year.

Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg stated that Malaysia is now a signatory to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

“In 2022, the Sarawak government amended the Forests Ordinance, 2015, to provide provision for licensing of Forest Carbon Activity.

“Forest carbon activity is one of the strategies to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through carbon sequestration and storing it within the forests. This key initiative will also create new sources of revenue for us,” he said when tabling the Supply (2024) Bill, 2023, during the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today.

Currently, one carbon study permit and one carbon storage licence have been issued.

Abang Johari also mentioned that under the State budget, the Sarawak government is allocating RM2 million for the formulation of the Sarawak Net Zero Strategy and Carbon Plan to develop a roadmap for the State to achieve a net zero target by 2050; RM1.5 million for the study on the Sarawak Climate Change Policy and Low Carbon Society Blueprints covering Kuching, Miri, Sibu and Bintulu; and RM3 million for the study of Sarawak Green Economy Policy and Action Plans.

He also said the State will develop a Sarawak Blue Economy Policy and Roadmap (SBEP) for the sustainable development of coastal and marine ecosystems.

“The SBEP promotes a holistic and participatory approach to the conservation of coastal and marine ecosystems and sustainable use and management of associated resources such as fisheries, coastal tourism, renewable energy, and marine biotechnology,” he added. — DayakDaily

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