By Dayangku Hidayatul
KUCHING, Oct 28: Sarawak’s rich biodiversity and energy resources must be safeguarded and harnessed to improve livelihoods and drive economic growth across ASEAN, says Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said Borneo possessed exceptional natural wealth, including vast forests, rich biodiversity and abundant rivers, which could serve as a foundation for improving the standard of living of its people.
“No other region has the same richness of biodiversity as the island of Borneo.
“The island’s other natural resources are also blessings that we must embrace and utilise to improve the lives of not only Muslims but all communities in Borneo,” he said when officiating the Tilawah Al-Quran Bandaraya Se-Borneo at the Sarawak Islamic Complex last night (Oct 27).
Abang Johari said the teachings of the Quran encouraged Muslims to pursue knowledge and apply it to improve people’s lives, including lifting communities out of poverty.
He said the principle of iqra’, meaning “read”, underscored the importance of acquiring knowledge and applying it to develop the resources entrusted to them.
“If we can help lift people out of poverty, then we have fulfilled our responsibility towards humanity,” he said.
Meanwhile, Abang Johari said Sarawak could harness its extensive river network to meet electricity needs while adding value to its other natural assets, including biodiversity.
He added that Sarawak was harnessing its energy resources through the ASEAN Power Grid to meet regional electricity needs and drive economic growth.
He said the responsible use of Borneo’s natural wealth, guided by knowledge and Quranic teachings, could benefit communities both within and beyond the island.
Among those present were Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) Speaker Tan Sri Mohamad Asfia Awang Nasar, Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, and Sarawak Islamic Council (SIC) chairman Datuk Misnu Taha. — DayakDaily
