THE proposed Environment (Reduction of Greenhouse Gases Emission) Bill 2023 sets out a prudent framework for Sarawak carbon compliance regime.
Tupong assemblyman Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman said it outlines a progressive approach, balancing environmental imperatives with economic considerations.
He said carbon levy accompanied by transitory allowances for industries facing global competition, demonstrates the state’s commitment to ensuring a fair and sustainable transition for all sectors.
“On this note also, I would like to urge the Federal government to take into consideration the amount of our levy when formulating the carbon tax.
“We do not want to burden industries which in turn will transfer the cost to the rakyat.
“For example, for simplistic analogy purposes, if our levy is RM5 and the Federal government intends to impose or collect a tax of RM12; do reduce the tax to RM7 so that the cost transfer to the industries is still RM12,” he said when tabling the bill at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting here yesterday.
Meanwhile, Murum assemblyman Kennedy Chukpai Ugon said the proposed bill is part of actions that fall under the scope of climate change mitigation, adaptation and disaster risk management.
The framework of the bill has laid out the strategic direction for state climate change policy, long-term and pathways for change. It has set out institutional arrangements for climate governance at the state level, is multi-sectoral in scope and involves mechanisms for transparency and accountability.
In supporting the bill, Chukpai said carbon management is the process of measuring and reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gas emissions related to operations, including the supply chains.
“The biggest benefits of carbon management are lower operating costs, meeting the customer demands, improving brand perception, responding to investor pressure and complying with regulations.
“Carbon taxes or carbon levy can play a key role in achieving State journey under the 2015 Paris Agreement. Despite providing an opportunity to increase the state revenue, it also plays a role to meet the net zero emission by 2050,” Chukpai said when debating the bill at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting in Kuching yesterday.
The bill, he added, is not just a law that can save the people from climate disaster but it will make their lives better.
“Don’t wait any longer, take the first step towards reducing carbon emission and finding the solution that best fits your business needs,” he stressed.
