Sarawak To Amend Biodiversity Laws To Allow Research Commercialisation
GENERAL
KUCHING, April 22 (Bernama) – The Sarawak government is planning to amend the state's biodiversity laws to enable the Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (SBC) to commercialise its research.
State Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the current provisions under the Sarawak Biodiversity Ordinance prevent the SBC from commercialising its research, thus limiting opportunities to generate revenue for the state.
Speaking at the launch of the Sarawak Biodiversity Policy and Plan here tonight, he cited the state's ongoing initiative to produce Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) using microalgae, in which the SBC is actively involved.
'SBC cannot enter into any joint commercial collaboration with parties who recognise the potential of microalgae... and that is why we are amending our Sarawak Biodiversity Ordinance to allow research and commercialisation of our research for the benefit of mankind,' he said.
He said the eventual commercial production of SAF would represent another step by Sarawak towards achieving the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) concerning responsible production and consumption.
Abang Johari also said the Sarawak government is exploring the cultivation of a fast-growing indigenous tree species, commonly known as 'Kalapayang', which is reported to have a better quality texture than 'Acacia', another fast-growing species typically used for wood production.
'We have the land, and we can increase the number of tree species. It is circular in nature and will produce biomass (as another source of green energy),' he said.
On the Sarawak Biodiversity Policy and Plan, he said it is designed to meet environmental, social and governance (ESG) requirements, aligned with the three pillars under the state's Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
'Our economic policy towards 2030 is one that balances the need for national growth with the need to preserve the environment,' he added.
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