By Karen Bong
KUCHING, March 31: Sarawak will not implement carbon trading until the State has drawn up its own legislation for the new system that will be in compliance with international protocol.
Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg highlighted this when touching on the topic of climate change and environmental issues at the opening ceremony of the Sarawak Utility and Telecommunication Conference 2022 at a hotel here today.
“For us (Sarawak) to move towards a green economy, it will involve modern technologies.
“The whole economy of Sarawak will be in line with the global demand on environmental sustainability. On carbon trading, it must be based on international protocols that have been agreed in Glasgow (referring to the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference, known as COP26).
“Many people are proposing (to establish) carbon trading (system) but Sarawak, no, until we have our own legislation in compliance with international rules,” he revealed.
Sarawak, Abang Johari emphasised, will continue to put all efforts into providing and getting all basic infrastructure up and running including water and electricity supply as well as digital telecommunication connectivity throughout the State.
For the future of Sarawak, he said, basic infrastructure remains the most important prerequisite to transform the State into an advanced economy based on digitalisation.
“Between the year 2025 to 2030, we believe with the completion of the Pan Borneo Highway and coastal highway and connected by small roads in between, Sarawak will be fully connected physically.
“Now is a matter of creativity (and innovation) as when everything is in place, it is up to you to leverage on these facilities to add value to the activities in Sarawak,” he said.
Abang Johari stressed on the need to nurture a big pool of talents to prepare for 2026 and beyond, which has led the Sarawak government to set up international schools using the Cambridge syllabus as well as universities.
“Emphasis will also be given on languages including English and Mandarin besides Bahasa Malaysia because with strong command of languages, Sarawakians can connect with global players.
“Sarawakian minds should be global, no longer talking about Sarawak only but beyond our shores. We (must) become the major player in this region. We need the brains to think and to look after the future.
“That is the future, the era of modern economy in which Sarawak has to take its position in this changing environment,” he said.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Minister in the Office of Premier of Sarawak Datuk John Sikie Tayai, Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Julaihi Narawi, Deputy Minister of Utility Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, Deputy Minister of Telecommunication Datuk Liwan Lagang and Deputy Minister of Energy and Environmental Sustainability Dr Hazland Abang Hipni were among those present. — DayakDaily
