Sarawak to formulate climate change policy

KUCHING (May 18): The Sarawak state government will formulate a Climate Change Policy in line with Malaysia’s commitment to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP).

Sarawak's Deputy Minister of Energy and Environmental Sustainability Dr Hazland Abang Hipni said the policy, which would focus on green energy sources such as hydropower, solar energy and hydrogen, would be drafted after a climate change study under 12MP is completed.

"From the study we hope to get the guidelines on GHG emissions according to sectors, namely, energy, transportation, industrial and agricultural, as well as through change in land use and waste management.

“As globally, the focus in currently on sustainable development, the implementation of Sarawak’s upcoming development projects will come with its own costs, especially the impact on the environment and biodiversity conservation,” he said in a statement here on Wednesday (May 18).

In addition, Dr Hazland said the study on the policy was also expected to provide an action plan to mitigate and adapt to climate change impacts.

“As such, we need to pursue sustainable development so that society has a better future including a clean environment, a sustainable level of development without excessive waste and pollution, with natural resources and biodiversity protected and conserved,” he added.