By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, April 9: The federal and Sarawak governments have agreed to establish a special joint committee to coordinate the implementation of Malaysia’s carbon policies, aiming to deliver a more structured, aligned and high-impact approach to developing the national carbon market.
In a Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) news, Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup said the committee will ensure that all carbon-related policies and initiatives are developed through close consultation between both governments.
He added that the move is also intended to harmonise the assessment processes and the development of carbon credit registration systems between the federal government and Sarawak, in line with Malaysia’s international commitments.
“Sarawak has already enacted its Greenhouse Gas Ordinance, which means it has its own regulatory framework in place.
“As we introduce a national framework, it is critical that we ensure alignment between federal and state levels, particularly in terms of carbon credit pricing.
“There cannot be differing prices between Sarawak and the Federal Government, as carbon credits generated in Sarawak will contribute to Malaysia’s nationally determined contributions (NDC) targets, especially in reporting under the Paris Agreement,” he told a press conference after paying a courtesy call on Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg at the Satria Pertiwi Complex today.
Joseph emphasised that Sarawak plays a pivotal role in advancing Malaysia’s carbon market, noting that the State has more than 64 per cent forest cover, which is a key asset in carbon sequestration efforts.
He stressed that Sarawak’s active participation is essential to ensuring the effective rollout of the National Carbon Market Policy (DPKK).
In a related development, he said the National Climate Change Bill is expected to be tabled in Parliament this June, and expressed hope for strong support from all parties, including Sarawak lawmakers, to secure its passage.
Discussions with the Premier also covered the demarcation of Malaysia’s borders with Brunei and Indonesia, as well as progress on the return of federal land to Sarawak under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
Also present at the meeting was Deputy Minister for Energy and Environmental Sustainability Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni. — DayakDaily
