KUCHING: Sarawakians can now participate in carbon trading, with online licence applications opening in December.
Deputy Minister of Energy and Environmental Sustainability Datuk Dr. Hazland Abang Hipni, said that those with at least 100 hectares of land can apply for a carbon trading licence.
He said the eligible land must be privately owned with a grant or be surveyed as Native Customary Rights (NCR) land.
“Carbon trading offers a new income source for the people. Licences can be obtained through our ministry.
“We also permit smaller land parcels to be combined to meet the 100-hectare requirement, subject to certain conditions.
“All relevant information will be available by December. Online applications will open then, with applicable fees and so on,” he said when officiating at the Sarawak Lestari ‘Keterangkuman’ Seminar at Pustaka Sarawak today.
In addition to being taxed, Dr. Hazland noted that registered landowners will face restrictions, including a prohibition on tree cutting according to a set cycle.
For the first cycle, trees in the licensed area cannot be cut for 30 years.
He urged Sarawakians, especially villagers, to engage in this nature-based climate solution.
“This is an easy way for people to contribute to climate solutions. Just plant trees.
“If global carbon emissions are not addressed, by 2050, the temperature increase will be much higher, causing irreversible damage to the planet.
“The 17th Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) – partnership for the goals, is crucial. We all must play our part,” he said.
