We’ll have full authority over carbon storage, says Premier

KUCHING: Sarawak will retain complete authority over carbon storage within its jurisdiction, according to Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

He referred to this as having the “final shot” in carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS) decision-making.

“Sarawak will have its own approach in terms of managing CCUS. We had a good meeting with Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli, we will harmonise both federal and Sarawak laws.

“With only cross-border transportation of carbon, we will work together with the federal government.

“However, as far as Sarawak is concerned, the storage of carbon offshore is to be managed by Petros (Petroleum Sarawak Berhad), the resource manager,” he said.

He said this during Petros’ 7th anniversary dinner at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) last night (Oct 30).

Abang Johari explained that Sarawak’s approach takes inspiration from international CCUS models, such as agreements between Belgium and Denmark and the United Kingdom’s arrangement in the North Sea, which assign specific regions jurisdiction over carbon storage.

“We also raised precedent between the United Kingdom and their counterpart where the storage of carbon is within the ambit of the North Sea.

“The jurisdiction is under Scotland, where Scotland is part and parcel of the whole arrangement in storage carbon between the United Kingdom and its counterpart.

He said Sarawak envisions a similar setup where the state retains authority over carbon storage while cooperating with the federal government on broader regulations.

“Based on that, we have similar arrangement that Sarawak is a part or a party to any arrangement with our counterpart, together with the Malaysian government.

“In other words, Sarawak is the host and we call the final shot,” he said.