BY LEONG Z-KEEN
SARAWAK will set up a Climate Change Centre to serve as a central hub to coordinate, manage and support all climate change initiatives and carbon trading in the state.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said a study on the establishment of the centre is in its final stage to pave way for its development.
“We are crafting a Climate Change Policy to establish a carbon footprint baseline which will empower communities, businesses, and policymakers to tackle emissions and promote low-carbon technologies, paving the way for a sustainable future for Sarawak.
“Additionally, we are also crafting Low-Carbon Society blueprints to improve waste and flood management, reduce urban carbon emissions, and promote green technology and practices to minimise climate change impacts,” he said.
Abang Johari, who is also the Minister for Energy and Environmental Sustainability said this in his ministerial winding-up speech at State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting yesterday (May 15).
He also said that Sarawak is leading the charge towards a sustainable future by advancing decarbonisation and green energy initiatives which aligns with both local and global environmental goals.
“We will also prioritise our energy allocation for domestic use in Sarawak. With our plans to double clean electricity generation to 10GW by 2030, we will continue to offer competitive energy rates to investors in Sarawak, while only excess energy generated will be exported to neighbouring countries namely Brunei, Indonesia, and Singapore,” he said.
Abang Johari said the development of a cross-border transmission infrastructure could ensure electricity grid stability in the ASEAN region, while enabling Sarawak to recoup its energy investment costs.
“Sarawak’s new energy generation strategy includes constructing cascading power sources along rivers to generate energy and minimise the need to inundate larger land areas.
“The venture into cascading power source not only will help generate a new energy source, but also reel in economic gains for the locals.
“This approach is also in line with the state’s vision in creating sustainable, renewable energy sources,” added Abang Johari.
