By Amanda L
KUCHING, Aug 19: Sarawak is banking on its carbon-negative status, vast forest cover and renewable energy resources to strengthen its tourism appeal, with Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg positioning the State as the “Soul of Borneo”.
Speaking at the Soul of Borneo Gala Dinner 2026 here tonight, he said around 62 per cent of Sarawak remained forested, with its relationship with nature reflected not only in conservation but also in the culture and way of life of its diverse communities.
“Actually, we are negative carbon. We produce more oxygen than carbon. That’s why we are the ‘Soul of Borneo’,” he said.
Abang Johari said Sarawak’s natural environment was closely intertwined with the way its communities lived together, describing the State’s multicultural character as one that existed in harmony with nature.
“Arising from this association, we are living in harmony, various races, ethnic groups. We are as if one family.
“Not only in harmony within our various races, but we are in harmony with nature,” he said.
He said Sarawak’s natural and cultural assets had also gained international recognition through four UNESCO designations.
These include Gunung Mulu National Park and Niah National Park as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Kuching as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, and the Kuching Delta Geopark as a UNESCO Global Geopark.
“These are four areas that have been recognised by UNESCO, and this we want to share with the world,” he said.
The Premier said Sarawak’s tourism proposition was also supported by its renewable energy strategy, which includes hydropower, solar and biomass as part of efforts to develop an economy around its natural resources.
The same approach is being extended to urban mobility, with Kuching’s Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) system being developed to run on hydrogen.
Acknowledging the inconvenience caused by the ongoing construction, Abang Johari said the system would eventually provide cleaner public transport for residents and visitors.
“We are constructing a public transport, ART and this will be powered by hydrogen, the cleanest energy in the world,” he said.
Connectivity is another part of the State’s tourism strategy, with AirBorneo expected to gradually expand its network to key destinations across Asia.
He said Sarawak hoped to eventually establish a connection with South Korea, particularly Jeju Island, pointing to the shared UNESCO Global Geopark status of Jeju Island and the Kuching Delta Geopark.
“We will connect all the important destinations in Asia. We just concentrate in Asia. Hopefully, we will connect with Korea through Jeju Island, because both are geoparks under UNESCO,” he said.
He said stronger air links, cleaner public transport and Sarawak’s natural and cultural assets would collectively help the State bring Borneo’s tourism offerings to a wider international market. — DayakDaily
