KUCHING: Sarawak has unveiled a Sustainability Blueprint, a practical roadmap to balance economic growth with environmental preservation.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg emphasized that the Sarawak Sustainability Blueprint would be a comprehensive guide aligning diverse initiatives across all sectors towards sustainability goals.
He emphasized the importance of embracing an integrated strategy that addresses current challenges while also preparing Sarawak to meet future needs and opportunities in areas such as climate change and the circular economy.
He emphasized that this blueprint highlights the importance of integrating environmental concerns into all aspects of development, guaranteeing inclusivity as the state government moves forward.
“It’s crucial to realize that Sarawak isn’t just partaking in the global sustainability movement; we aim to emerge as a leader in Malaysia and beyond.
“I am propelled by a bold vision – to synchronize economic growth with environmental stewardship and uphold social equity for all citizens, reflecting the core tenets of the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS).
“To achieve this, our blueprint centres on two critical dimensions: Green Transition and Economic Equity. By drawing inspiration from best practices, we strive to establish a robust framework that integrates sustainable practices,” he expressed.
These comments were delivered as part of his keynote speech at the Sarawak Sustainability Insights 2024 event held at Pullman Hotel today, October 29th.
Abang Johari introduced 10 strategic thrusts to steer Sarawak’s initiatives across various sectors towards a sustainable future, aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a global framework.
Among these strategic thrusts, he emphasized the imperative of energy transition, with the state government committed to utilizing clean energy for local requirements and power exports, thereby reducing carbon impact and bolstering energy resilience.
He noted that energy efficiency is a cost-effective approach to meet escalating demand without constructing new power plants, ultimately saving public funds.
“By this, the Sarawak government is also formulating a dedicated sub-policy on Energy Efficiency under the Sarawak Energy Transition Policy, laying the groundwork for sustainable energy consumption,” he detailed.
The remaining nine strategic thrusts encompass Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security, Green Mobility, Circular Economy, Sustainable Manufacturing, Sustainable and Responsible Mining, Protection and Enhancement of Natural Assets, Sustainable Cities, Community Development, and Eco-Tourism.
Furthermore, Abang Johari highlighted that the blueprint would not just address existing environmental challenges but also proactively anticipate future needs concerning climate resilience and the green economy.
By fostering cooperation among sectors, he assured that Sarawak could boost its efficiency in resource planning and implementation, ensuring that each endeavour contributes significantly to its sustainability objectives.
“A fundamental aspect of the Sarawak Sustainability Blueprint is its emphasis on community engagement and inclusivity, recognizing that sustainable development necessitates the active involvement of all stakeholders—government agencies, private sector partners, civil society organizations, and local communities,” he added.
Abang Johari reiterated that the blueprint signifies a collective commitment to establish a flourishing economy for all Sarawakians while safeguarding the environment for future generations.
“It presents an ambitious yet attainable roadmap towards a sustainable future where economic growth aligns with environmental preservation,” he concluded.
