Sarawak eyes carbon economy through forest conservation

KUCHING (Jan 14): Sarawak is exploring ways to link forest conservation with the carbon economy, including the possibility of charging countries for storing carbon in its rainforests.

Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg highlighted this potential during a townhall session at the Hikmah Exchange Event Centre (HEEC) on Tuesday.

The discussion was sparked by moderator Tehmina Kaoosji, who asked about Sarawak’s potentIal role in the green economy by 2030, specifically regarding the state’s leadership in forest sequestration and carbon trading.

In response, Abang Johari said the state must first have a clear regulatory framework.

“That is why I passed a new law on gas emissions, and I believe we were the first one (to do so) before the federal government passed their law.

“They used us as a model with the Ministry of Economy in Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya. So you must have that legal framework,” he said

He stressed that educating communities about photosynthesis and carbon sinks is crucial for sustainable forest management, noting that understanding how trees absorb carbon and produce oxygen—vital for human survival—would encourage villagers to support reforestation.

“With good weather, enough sunlight and rainfall, even bamboo can grow. In other words, what you have to do is to explain the scientific process of this carbon.

“Then what we do now is to value the carbon levy. Sarawak will charge those countries that emit carbon; we store your carbon, we charge you.

“That means another stream of revenue for Sarawak,” he said.