Sarawak govt evaluates 7 new applications for forest carbon research permits

Awang Tengah addressing the Sarawak Forest Department’s Excellence Service Awards and Retirement Appreciation dinner at a hotel on June 27, 2024. Photo credit: Ukas

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, June 28: The Sarawak government is currently evaluating seven applications for forest carbon research permits.

Since the implementation of the Forests (Forest Carbon Activity) Rules 2022, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan stated that the government has received 13 applications for these permits.

Of these, two permits have been issued, one application is in the final process, and three applications have been rejected.

“Sarawak is leading Malaysia in forest carbon initiatives. These initiatives will promote sustainable forest management practices, reduce the effects of climate change, and enhance economic prosperity, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability in line with the Sarawak government’s strategy through PCDS (Post-Covid Development Strategy) 2030,” he said.

He made these remarks during his speech at the Sarawak Forest Department’s Excellence Service Awards and Retirement Appreciation dinner, held at a leading hotel here on Thursday (June 27).

Furthermore, Awang Tengah, who is also the Second Minister for Natural Resources and Urban Development, emphasised that carbon trading is a crucial initiative to address global climate change while also serving as a new economic resource.

This initiative, he continued, will further strengthen forest conservation efforts in Sarawak, as carbon trading does not involve deforestation or the exploitation of forest areas.

“Sarawak’s commitment to jointly address the challenge of climate change in alignment with the global net zero emission agenda by 2050 is an invaluable benefit that cannot be evaluated based on dollars and cents alone,” he said.

Also in attendance at the event were the permanent secretary to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Urban Development, Datu Abdullah Julaihi, Sarawak Forest Department director Datu Hamden Mohammad, Land and Survey Department Sarawak director Awang Zamhari Awang Mahmod, and Controller of Environmental Quality Sarawak Jack Liam. — DayakDaily