By Christopher Lidom
KUCHING, May 19: Emergence of downstream processing activities in Sarawak especially in Bintulu may require further audit over their effectiveness of Co2 (Carbon dioxide) separation or sequestration storage facilities to ensure emission compliance, said Katibas assemblyman Lidam Assan.
According to Lidam, the exploration and production of hydrocarbon since then progressed significantly in 1960s with the discovery and development of offshore fields by various OG (oil and gas) company.
“Further development took place when the Federal government enacted the famous Petroleum Development Act 1974 (PDA74), empowering Petronas to acquire oil fields located mostly offshore on Sarawak Land,” said Lidam in his debate speech on the Forest (Amendment) Bill 2022, at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today.
Lidam noted, Co2 removal has been the subject of those involved in climate change, more so when the government have pledged their net zero carbon emissions by 2050 (Paris Agreement and Protocol), with oil and gas companies finding ways to handle their carbon storage.
Most of the Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) programmes, he said, are governed by the laws of the country that is running them.
“Likewise here, Sarawak is to take control to regulate the use of the land and soil by the oil and gas companies and those involved in land development and logging.
“This legislation is timely and pre-emptive as Sarawak prepares itself for oil and gas E&P (exploration and production) business that is coming to shore and other land developments which involves cutting of trees; we therefore need balanced development,” he added.
Meanwhile, Lidam also urged the State government to continue with the perimeter survey of Native Customary Right (NCR) land to ensure Sarawakians can be part of the new economy. — DayakDaily
