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
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Malay Mail
a day ago
- Malay Mail
Sarawak state assembly to hold special one-day sitting on July 7; Premier to table undisclosed item
KUCHING, June 21 — A special one-day sitting of the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) has been scheduled for July 7, according to a letter sighted by The Borneo Post. The letter, signed by DUN Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohd Asfia Awang Nassar, has been circulated to all assembly members. However, it does not disclose the agenda of the sitting, which is set to begin at 9am. When asked about it at an event here today, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said only that Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg would be 'tabling something' during the sitting, without providing further details. — The Borneo Post
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Borneo Post
S'wak govt allocates RM193,000 to boost Melanau Heritage Gallery in Oya
Abang Johari (fourth left) presents the cheque to Fatimah, witnessed by Dr Sim (third left). – Ukas photo KUCHING (June 21): The Melanau Welfare Trust Board has received a RM193,006 grant from the Sarawak government to support the development and programmes of the Melanau Heritage Gallery in Oya, Mukah. Fatimah, who is also Minister for Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, said the grant reflects the state government's commitment to preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of the Melanau community. 'The Melanau Heritage Gallery is a Projek Rakyat that has been completed through grants from the Sarawak Premier and is now open to the public,' she said in a statement issued through the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas). Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg presented the cheque to the board's chair, Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, during a ceremony at Wisma Bapa Malaysia here yesterday. The presentation was witnessed by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian. She added that the gallery serves as a cultural exhibition space and a platform for education and tourism, benefiting both local communities and visitors. According to the Dalat assemblywoman, two phases of the gallery have been completed, while the third phase is in the planning stage. 'The next phase will feature 10 key components highlighting Melanau customs, traditions and notable local figures. We also plan to introduce interactive elements such as traditional dance, food and medicinal workshops to offer visitors a more immersive experience,' she said. The ceremony also saw several other organisations receiving grants from Abang Johari. These included the Association of the Boards of Management of Aided Chinese Primary Schools in Kuching, Samarahan and Serian, represented by chairman Dato Jonathan Chai; the Sarawak United Association of Private Chinese Secondary School Management Board, represented by Temenggong Dato Vincent Lau; and Tabung Jasamu Kebajikan Veteran Tentera Anak Sarawak, represented by Lt-Gen (R) Datuk Stephen Mundaw, advisor to the Sarawak Veterans Association.
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Borneo Post
Chinese medium secondary schools receive RM10 mln annual grant from Sarawak government
Abang Johari (right) presents the RM10 million cheque to Lau. Also seen are Dr Sim (second right) and Wee. KUCHING (June 20): The Sarawak United Association of Private Chinese Secondary School Management Board (Sha Dong Zong) received an RM10 million grant from the Sarawak government today. The annual funding is for the 14 Chinese independent secondary schools in the state. Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg presented the cheque to association board members here today. Association chairman Temenggong Dato Vincent Lau Lee Ming pointed out Chinese independent secondary schools have received such grants annually since 2014, when the late Pehin Sri Adenan Satem was chief minister. The initial RM3 million grant increased yearly until five years ago when the association started to receive RM10 million each year. 'Over the past decade, the total cumulative funding has reached RM92 million. This long-term commitment has significantly alleviated the financial burden on school boards and provided a stable foundation for the sustainable development of all 14 Chinese independent secondary schools across Sarawak,' he said. Lau pointed out that the schools depended very much on public donations as they do not come under the Education Ministry. He thanked Abang Johari and the Sarawak government for their steadfast support. 'The continued allocation reflects the government's strong recognition of and commitment to the multi-stream education system in Sarawak, and serves as a testament to the enduring contributions and academic achievements of the Chinese independent school sector,' he stressed. 'In Chinese tradition, it is often said: 'To govern the nation well, one must first cultivate talent; and to cultivate talent, education must come first.' The Premier reaffirmed that enhancing the quality of local education remains a central pillar in Sarawak's strategic vision to become a high-income region by 2030.' Lau noted that the recently announced '2026 Free Higher Education Scheme for Outstanding Students' will also cover Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) candidates, reinforcing the Sarawak government's policy direction of nurturing home-grown talent. In alignment with the Premier's 'Third Language Policy', he said Chinese independent schools will continue to enhance their trilingual education model of Mandarin, Malay, and English, while actively advancing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education. Among those present were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian and Sha Dong Zong deputy chairman Datuk Richard Wee.
