KUCHING: A task force on capture, utilisation and storage of carbon (CCUS) has been set up by the Ministry of Energy and Environmental Sustainability to facilitate the development and implementation of Sarawak’s CCUS agenda and in line with its climate change goals.
Deputy Minister Dr Hazland Hipni, who chaired the first meeting of the task force at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) yesterday (May 27), said the unit consists of representatives from government agencies and government-linked companies (GLCs).
“The task force will focus on several aspects, such as facilitating stakeholder engagement, as well as problem-solving and solution development to identify and explore solutions to the key issues that can hinder the successful implementation of CCUS in Sarawak,” he said in a statement.
In addition, he said the task force will also act as a comprehensive needs identification body where activities will be carried out to collect and analyse all critical challenges and opportunities related to CCUS.
“It will also be responsible for ensuring efficient and smooth coordination and alignment among stakeholders while complying with relevant laws, regulations, and policies.
“The task force will also serve as a reporting and recommendation unit, where it will provide comprehensive reports to the Premier, outlining the task force’s findings, recommendations for further action, and potential next steps that can drive discussion and collaboration among all stakeholders involved in CCUS projects in Sarawak,” he said.
During the meeting, Dr Hazland also explained that the amendments to the Forest Ordinance and the Land and Environment Code (Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction) Ordinance 2023 have placed Sarawak in an advanced position to champion CCUS and carbon trading activities in Malaysia.
“With this ordinance, Sarawak has the legislative power to regulate, manage, and promote activities related to carbon trading, CCUS, and natural business.,” he said.
After the task force meeting, the meeting participants were briefed on the Kasawari Gas Field Development Project Phase 2 by Petronas Carigali Sdn Bhd (PCSB) through project director Izrie Ghazali.
The PCSB delegation was led by Sarawak Asset head Anuar Ismail.
The task force is made up of Sarawak Attorney General, Sarawak Financial Secretary, Economic Planning Unit, Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (PETROS), Ministry of Natural Resources and Urban Development (MUDeNR-Land and Survey Department), Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment (MINTRED-Invest Sarawak), Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Ministry of Infrastructure and Port Development, Ministry of Finance and New Economy, Natural Resources and Environment Board, Regional Corridor Development Authority, State Security and Enforcement Unit, Department of Environment and Brooke Holdings Sdn Bhd.
