Latest news with #Patinggi
Borneo Post
29-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sarawak unveils ambitious Sustainability Blueprint 2030 to lead Southeast Asia's green transition
Abang Johari (centre) shows the Sustainability Blueprint 2030 booklet while others look on. 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
Borneo Post
04-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Premier: Bank Negara's approval needed for overseas Sarawakian students' financial aid
Abang Johari is greeted by students who participate in the townhall session. KUCHING (May 4): The Sarawak government requires approval and clear guidelines from Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) to ensure the Special Financial Assistance (BKK) can be fairly distributed to Sarawakians pursuing their studies abroad, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. According to the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas), Abang Johari stated that the BKK of RM1,200 is currently distributed only to Sarawak students enrolled in institutions of higher learning within Malaysia. He also clarified that the special financial assistance has not been extended to students studying overseas due to complexities in foreign currency exchange transactions, which are strictly monitored by financial authorities. 'The issue is not that we refuse to provide assistance, but this process is very complex and requires approval and clear guidelines from BNM,' he said during the Sarawak Agenda Townhall session in conjunction with Lan Berambeh Anak Sarawak 2025, United Kingdom (UK) Edition in London on Saturday. It was previously reported that Sarawakian students pursuing higher education at public and private institutions across Malaysia could apply for the state's BKK starting May 1. Introduced during Abang Johari's winding-up speech at the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly sitting in November last year, the assistance was initially targeted at students from households with a per capita income of RM1,500 or below. However, the eligibility has since been expanded to include all full-time diploma and bachelor's degree students with Sarawakian status, regardless of socioeconomic background. On another note, Abang Johari also announced that the Lan Berambeh Anak Sarawak 2025′ – United Kingdom (UK) Edition will become an annual event following the overwhelming response and strong participation from the Sarawakian student community abroad to its inaugural event in London on Saturday. He revealed that the 2026 edition will take place in the city of Manchester. 'After discussions with my fellow Cabinet Ministers from Sarawak who are here with me, we have agreed to establish 'Lan Berambeh Anak Sarawak' UK Edition as an annual event starting next year,' he said at the Sarawak Students' Gala Dinner later that evening. The event brought together hundreds of Sarawakian students currently pursuing their studies in the United Kingdom, France, and Germany, celebrating their shared heritage and camaraderie. abang johari lead overseas students special financial assistance
Borneo Post
03-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Premier: Sarawak ‘open for business' with long-term growth vision
Abang Johari (left) gestures as he speaks during the forum. – Premier's Office photo KUCHING (May 3): Sarawak is now 'open for business', brimming with opportunities that promise mutual benefits for both investors and the state, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. 'What I want to emphasise is that Sarawak has immense potential for future growth. We have stability, and we have a rational populace. 'We also have a clear roadmap with policies that remain consistent regardless of who holds the Premier's Office, extending even beyond 2030,' he said during a Fireside Chat moderated by Lord Jonathan Marland in conjunction with the Sarawak Connect London 2025 Forum yesterday. During the forum, Abang Johari shared his vision for Sarawak's development and called for global collaboration in shaping the state's future, according to a report shared on the Sarawakku Facebook page. The Premier said that with a long-term development plan charted up to 2035, Sarawak is well positioned for sustainable investment. He pointed out that Sarawak seeks strategic partnerships to accelerate innovation, technology adoption and green investment in renewable energy and carbon storage initiatives. 'If you can answer three questions positively – Is there risk? Can you generate profit? Is it sustainable? – then Sarawak is the right place for you,' he assured. Abang Johari said Sarawak has a stable government, long-term vision and openness to international partners, hoping that the visit to London would unlock new opportunities, benefiting both investors and the people of Sarawak. Organised by the state Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment (MINTRED), the Sarawak Connect 2025 Forum convened key UK investors and business communities to explore collaborative ventures. Earlier, Deputy Premier and Minister for MINTRED Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hassan also spoke at the forum. Among those present were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki as well as deputy ministers and senior government officials.
Malay Mail
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
‘We need 30pc': Dewan Rakyat Speaker backs legal reform as online abuse hinders women in politics
KUCHING, April 23 — Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul has proposed the introduction of new laws to address the growing issue of fake news and online harassment, particularly in politics. The proposal comes in response to the growing challenges faced by women in politics, and highlights how relentless online attacks ranging from slander to threats discourage women's participation in public and political life. 'Sometimes, the suffering they endure is too much. We sympathise with them, which is why we must look at the law,' Johari Abdul told a press conference. The press conference was held for the 4th Meeting of the Coordinating Committee of Women Parliamentarians of the Asean Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (WAIPA) 2025, at Damai Lagoon Resort here yesterday. Johari Abdul, who is president of Asean Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), stressed the need for society to understand the root causes behind women's limited involvement in politics, pointing to the widespread dissemination of fake news and online defamation as major deterrents. He also addressed the persistent issue of female underrepresentation in Malaysian politics. 'Just look at Parliament; we don't even have 14 per cent, yet we need 30 per cent,' he said. 'Although women now make up the majority in many universities where some institutions reporting up to 70 per cent female enrolment, this progress has not translated into equal representation in the workforce or political arena. 'If we do nothing, this imbalance will continue.' In addition to these comments on gender equality in politics, Johari Abdul praised the Sarawak government for its initiative to provide free education to students in the state. He described this as an 'extraordinary opportunity', especially for the youth to pursue higher education and prepare for careers in fields like technology and energy. 'I'm thrilled to hear from the Premier that Sarawakian students can pursue university education for free. 'This is the kind of opportunity that should not just be celebrated but expanded. I hope it spreads to Peninsular Malaysia as well,' said the Dewan Rakyat Speaker. Among others present were Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg; Dewan Negara President Datuk Awang Bemee Awang Ali Basah; Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian; and Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar. — The Borneo Post Johari Abdul speaks at the press conference. – Photo by Chimon Upon
