“Bloomberg and CNA were competing to interview me” – Premier on Sarawak’s global recognition for green policies

Advertisement

By Amanda L

KUCHING, Oct 29: Sarawak’s steadfast commitment to environmental sustainability and its progressive pursuit of a green economy have drawn the attention of international experts and global media, says Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Abdul Rahman Johari Tun Openg.

Sharing the spotlight moment with a smile, Abang Johari shared that international media powerhouses were competing with each other to get an interview with him.

Advertisement

“The international media, for example, Bloomberg and CNA, they berebut (were competing) to interview me,” he said in his speech during the Sarawak-level National Environment Day (HASN) 2025 at a local resort in Sematan today.

He revealed that Sarawak’s environmental initiatives have been highlighted in international discussions, noting that most recently, a Japanese expert had done so during the Singapore International Energy Week (SIEW) 2025, something that, even to Abang Johari, came as a pleasant surprise.

Recently, on October 25, the Ambassador of Japan to Malaysia, Shikata Noriyuki, described Sarawak as a highly promising investment destination due to the State’s innovative policies that have facilitated the introduction of new technologies.

Continuing on the State’s green agenda, the Premier highlighted that Sarawak has enacted key environmental legislations, such as the Natural Resources and Environment Ordinance and the Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Ordinance 2023, which serve to strengthen the State’s governance in waste management and industrial emissions control.

“This is our name, this is our image of Sarawak. Our people have to do it together. To maintain our image as a new green economy that exists in Borneo Island. A place named Sarawak.

“May we (Sarawakians) progress to 2030 and beyond as a State that is balanced in terms of economic management,” he said.

Also in attendance were Minister in the Premier’s Department Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai; Deputy State Secretary (Economic Planning and Development) Dato Sri Dr Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel, representing the State Secretary; Deputy Minister for Urban Development, Land Administration and Environment Datuk Len Talif Salleh, who is also NREB Deputy Chairman; NREB Environmental Quality Controller Datu Jack Liam; and Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil, among others. —DayakDaily