Sarawak to accelerate shift to greener, smarter ports

KUCHING: Sarawak is planning to accelerate the shift to greener, smarter port operations across Asia-Pacific.

In stating this, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said that the state is at the forefront of developing green ports.

“This includes producing green fuel, creating green fuel bunkering hubs, and implementing a common utilities corridor for advanced port facilities,” he said.

He said this in his keynote address on ‘Advancing Climate Change Solutions In A Divergent World’ at the Asia Pacific Petroleum Conference (APPEC) 2024 in Singapore on Monday (Sept 9).

To support Sarawak’s clean energy efforts, Abang Johari said the state government is building gas terminal facilities and planning for a new Kuching International Airport.

“This is to meet modern transportation and sustainability needs, prioritising resilient, sustainable infrastructure,” he said.

In line with the state’s innovation driven economy, he said Sarawak is also investing in advanced sectors such as avionics and aircraft components, and cutting-edge aerospace courses.

“This initiative aligns with our broader goal of creating a sustainable, innovation-driven economy, equipping our youth with the skills to thrive in high-tech value chain industries and support our economic transformation,” he said.

Abang Johari also said Sarawak’s climate efforts are part of a global movement, recognising the importance of international cooperation.

“We actively engage in global dialogues, sharing experiences and insights. We build partnerships with regions, countries, and organisations to advance sustainability.

“These collaborations are vital for knowledge sharing, technology transfer and resource mobilisation.

“Our green hydrogen development showcases how local initiatives can be scaled globally through partnerships,” he said.

He added that bold, transformative action is needed to address the root causes of the impacts of climate change.

“The Sarawak government is launching annual Sustainability Reporting to track public sector contributions to our green initiatives and build trust with citizens and international partners.

“By integrating climate considerations into every decision, Sarawak leads by example with strict regulations and transparent reporting, reinforcing our commitment to a sustainable future,” he said.

He said these initiatives demonstrate that while embracing sustainable development, the state remains focused on setting ambitious emission targets and enforcing regulations to ensure a resilient future.

“Achieving these goals requires strong leadership, as tackling the climate crisis demands leaders who prioritise long-term sustainability over short-term gains by balancing economic, environmental and social goals.

“To drive this shift, we must implement policies that reward sustainable practices and invest in projects that benefit both people and the environment,” said Abang Johari.