By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, July 14: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is receptive to Sarawak and Sabah’s push for a fair share of revenue from carbon trading, says Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said Putrajaya had responded positively to the Borneo states’ views that any carbon revenue mechanism, including a possible carbon tax framework, must fairly recognise the contribution and ownership of states that manage vast forest resources.
“Last week, we had a conference with the Prime Minister, and he was quite receptive to the views of the states, including Sabah and Sarawak.
“When it comes to revenue, it is a very sensitive matter. That is why we have discussed that even if the federal government were to impose a carbon tax, it must be fair to the owners of the assets that produce oxygen.
“In this respect, I believe the federal government is receptive to ensuring that we have a fair revenue resource from carbon trading,” he said during the 21st Malaysian Forestry Conference (MFC) 2026, which was broadcast live by Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS) on Facebook last night (July 13).
He further said that such cooperation was necessary as forests, land and carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) fall under State jurisdiction.
“Under our Constitution, forests belong to the State, land belongs to the State, and even carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) is under the State.
“Therefore, there must be a harmonious relationship between the federal government and the State government in managing our resources that fall under the State List,” he added.
Sarawak enacted the Environment (Reduction of Greenhouse Gases Emission) Ordinance, 2023 to regulate greenhouse gas emissions, support carbon reduction initiatives and provide a legal framework for carbon credit activities in the State.
The Ordinance, which came into force on March 1, 2024 (except for Part IV), covers areas including the regulation of greenhouse gas emissions, carbon credit units, carbon trading, and activities involving the reduction, abatement, capture and storage of greenhouse gases.
Earlier on June 28, Abang Johari proposed that 70 per cent of any carbon tax collected by the federal government be returned to Sabah and Sarawak. — DayakDaily
