By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Nov 6: The development of the Batang Ai Hydroelectric Dam, which was completed in 1985, reflects Sarawak’s early vision and planning in developing green energy, supporting the State’s efforts to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Sarawak Deputy Minister for Energy and Environmental Sustainability Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni said credit should be given to previous State leaders for recognising the potential of Sarawak’s natural resources to drive economic growth while protecting the environment and biodiversity.
“This means studies had been conducted long before that, perhaps 45 or 46 years ago, by our previous leaders, who saw not only Sarawak’s potential but also how we could contribute towards mitigating climate change,” he said at the screening of the short film SAGA in conjunction with the Sarawak Net Zero Carbon Emission Strategy here today.
Dr Hazland said the planning also reflected a vision to position Sarawak as a regional example of balancing economic development with environmental conservation.
Commenting on SAGA, he said the short film highlighted the importance of involving all segments of society in protecting the environment and supporting the target of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
He also encouraged the public to watch the production to better understand its message and the Sarawak leadership’s aspirations for sustainable state development.
According to him, efforts to harness natural resources also create opportunities to generate income and employment.
“At the same time, we can create new sources of income, new job opportunities and find ways to make use of whatever natural resources we have,” he said. — DayakDaily
