Sarawak unveils ambitious Sustainability Blueprint 2030 to lead Southeast Asia's green transition
KUCHING (May 29): Sarawak has positioned itself as a regional leader in climate action with the launch of its Sustainability Blueprint 2030, a comprehensive roadmap aimed at accelerating the state's transition to a low-carbon, green economy.
Unveiled by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg during the Asia Carbon Conference 2025 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) today, the blueprint outlines 10 strategic thrusts, 48 strategies, and 111 actionable plans to guide the state's environmental and economic transformation.
It was developed by the State Ministry of Energy and Environmental Sustainability.
'Sarawak is determined to lead Malaysia and the region in climate action and sustainable development,' Abang Johari said in his keynote address.
He highlighted Sarawak's significant progress in renewable energy development, noting that hydropower now accounts for 70 per cent of the state's energy mix. This shift has enabled Sarawak to cut its grid carbon emissions by 72 per cent since 2010 – well ahead of its 2030 targets.
He also pointed to the state's growing hydrogen economy and the deployment of solar and mini-hydro solutions for rural electrification, along with rising adoption of electric vehicles.
He cited the Sarawak Methanol Complex, launched in 2024 and already exporting, as a key driver of green industrial growth.
On carbon management, Sarawak is developing four carbon capture and storage (CCS) sites by 2030, with Petros spearheading the state's Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) strategy.
The recently enacted Environment (Reduction of Greenhouse Gases Emission) Ordinance 2023, effective since March, mandates GHG reporting and lays the foundation for carbon levies and emissions trading.
Additionally, Sarawak is working with the World Bank to establish a Carbon Levy framework and finalising a comprehensive Carbon Plan to support a regulated, investor-friendly carbon market.
Sarawak's commitment to biodiversity was also emphasised. The state has launched a Biodiversity Masterplan, integrated conservation into development planning, and enabled biofuel production using palm oil waste.
Seven forestry carbon study permits have been issued, with one nature-based carbon project licensed and six more under review.
Sarawak also aims to publish a full greenhouse gas inventory by 2027 to benchmark emissions against a carbon budget.
'This is not just Sarawak's carbon journey as this is our contribution to the planet and future generations,' said Abang Johari.
With Malaysia chairing Asean this year 2025, Sarawak is positioning itself as a regional model for green development.
Abang Johari called on local and international partners to collaborate on sustainable projects, reaffirming Sarawak's openness to investment and cooperation.
'Sarawak is open for business, and more importantly, Sarawak is open for collaboration.
'This is not just Sarawak's carbon journey as this is our contribution to the planet and future generations,' he said.
The Asia Carbon Conference (ACC), which runs from May 29-30 at the BCCK, provides a critical platform for discussions on carbon pricing, CCS, nature-based solutions, policy frameworks, and green investment opportunities. abang johari Sustainability Blueprint 2030
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