KUCHING: Sarawak has the potential to achieve the goal of zero carbon emissions earlier, said Deputy Minister of Utility and Telecommunication II (Utility) Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi.
He said by achieving it earlier, it will then make Sarawak the first state in Malaysia to have done so.
“This is due to the proactive efforts and initiatives taken by the Sarawak Government to move in that direction.
“Although I cannot determine when Sarawak will achieve that target, we have taken every step to realise the goal in the near future.
“First of all, look at green industry initiatives that use hydrogen vehicles such as the Autonomous Rapid Transit System (ART).
“The use of this hydrogen-powered ART will directly address air pollution because it does not use fuel, so there is no carbon emission,” he said.
Dr Abdul Rahman said this when met by reporters after the opening of the Low Carbon City Seminar at the Borneo Kuching Convention Center (BCCK), here, today.
He added that the carbon trading industry that the state government is working on is also aimed towards that goal.
“Our effort by ensuring that the carbon dioxide storage process is well managed, the carbon emissions can be reduced in the air,” he said.
He also said Sarawak is rich with mangrove plants, which is also a factor that can determine the state to achieve the goal of zero carbon emissions.
“We are grateful that this state is covered with a lot of green environment, especially mangrove trees. These trees are able to absorb three times the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
“So, it is clearly seen that Sarawak’s approach is on the right track and we are able to achieve zero carbon emissions earlier in the future,” he explained.
Therefore, he also urged the public including all local authorities to play a role in ensuring that efforts in that direction can be successful.
“I would also like to commend the Kuching North City Hall (DBKU) for holding a programme that gives input to the community about the importance of the environment.
“It is our great hope that this kind of cooperation can continue so that community awareness at the individual level as well as government or private agencies can be increased towards a low-carbon city,” he said.
