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The Star
29-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Sarawak launches sustainability blueprint for green economy
KUCHING: Sarawak's newly launched sustainability blueprint will serve as a strategic roadmap for the state's transition to a green economy, says Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg. The Sarawak Premier said the blueprint is a pioneering effort by a Malaysian state and added that it was recently finalised by the state Energy and Environmental Sustainability Ministry. He noted it is built on 10 strategic thrusts, 48 detailed strategies, and 111 actionable plans. "The Sarawak Sustainability Blueprint 2030 encompasses every facet of our sustainability agenda, integrating green principles into the fabric of our society and economy," he said. He spoke while launching the blueprint at the Asia Carbon Conference on Thursday (May 29). Abang Johari said the document outlines Sarawak's commitment to accelerating its renewable energy transition by advancing carbon capture and storage. It also focuses on enhancing forest and land conservation and promoting green industries and investments. It aims to build sustainable cities through circular economy practices and develop a future-ready workforce through education, skills, and research. According to a slide presentation, the blueprint's goals are economic growth and prosperity, environmental stewardship, and a healthy, resilient, and inclusive community. Its strategic thrusts include energy transition, sustainable agriculture and food security, sustainable mobility, and circular economy. Other thrusts are sustainable manufacturing, sustainable mining, stewardship of natural assets, sustainable cities, inclusive social equity, and integrated tourism development. Abang Johari also said Sarawak is finalising a Carbon Plan to facilitate carbon market investments in the state. He said the plan would offer a detailed implementation framework for carbon trading. "Central to the Carbon Plan is its focus on establishing a well-regulated and investor-friendly carbon market," he said. This market will balance supply and demand, incentivising emissions reductions and attracting green investments to Sarawak. Additionally, Abang Johari said Sarawak is reviewing the statutory fee structure for carbon projects to enhance investor interest. He said the state is also finalising its carbon levy framework to price carbon emissions accurately and encourage responsible practices. "Sarawak is committed to aligning our carbon initiatives with international standards," he added. This ensures that the state's contributions to global climate action are transparent and verifiable.
The Star
13-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Sarawak launches hydrogen economy roadmap
Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg launching the Sarawak hydrogen economy roadmap in Kuching on Tuesday (May 13). - ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star KUCHING: Sarawak has launched a hydrogen economy roadmap to drive the state's hydrogen agenda through 2035 and beyond. Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg said the roadmap was an important document that would guide policy implementation and the right approach towards developing the hydrogen economy. ALSO READ: Sarawak to stay on hydrogen roadmap, says Abang Johari "The hydrogen economy is a new approach to mitigate carbon emissions. It is also our contribution to lessen the effects of climate change. "We in Sarawak are fortunate that we have the resources to strengthen our position and contribute to global efforts towards net zero emissions by 2050," he told a press conference after launching the roadmap at the hydrogen economy forum here on Tuesday (May 13). Abang Johari said Sarawak will pursue new technologies to implement the policies listed in the roadmap. "I think we are one of the first to have a clear roadmap towards a hydrogen economy. "It's not easy because there are a lot of skeptics out there who are not convinced on the issue of hydrogen. ALSO READ: Sarawak scales up commercial green hydrogen production - Abang Johari "But I believe with the technology available, the cost of hydrogen production will be less, and definitely, hydrogen will become the fuel of the future," he said, adding that Sarawak was on the right track. In his speech earlier, Abang Johari said the roadmap was designed to navigate opportunities and challenges to accelerate Sarawak's transformation into a regionally recognised clean energy powerhouse. "Scaling hydrogen to commercial levels requires massive capital investment, advanced technology, skilled talent and long-term policy stability," he said. The Premier also said amendments to the Distribution of Gas Ordinance to regulate hydrogen activities, which were passed in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly in November, came into force on March 1. ALSO READ: Sarawak's H2 foray is real The amendments include establishing a legal framework for appointing a hydrogen industry regulator and empowering the state government to impose relevant rates, levies, or charges on hydrogen operations. Abang Johari said the state Energy and Environmental Sustainability Ministry was working to put in place supporting regulations and guidelines by year-end. "This regulatory clarity will provide confidence to investors, operators and the public alike, ensuring that the hydrogen economy develops in a safe, structured and sustainable manner," he said.
