By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Feb 6: There is a critical need to integrate Sea Level Rise (SLR) projections into Sarawak’s planning for residential, industrial, and power sectors to ensure the resilience of energy infrastructure against climate threats and support effective government safety planning.
This was a key point discussed by Deputy Minister for Energy and Environmental Sustainability, Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni, during a meeting with Professors Woo Wing Thye and Leong Yuen Yoong from the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), Asia Headquarters, Sunway University, today.
In a statement, Dr Hazland emphasised that protecting Sarawak’s power infrastructure is vital for the region’s continued economic and social well-being.
“A comprehensive approach is needed for modelling residential, industrial, and power sectors, tailored to Sarawak’s unique coastal geography and land dynamics, including subsidence and uplift. Understanding these local factors is essential for accurate risk assessment and effective adaptation,” he said.
He noted the four-pronged approach that includes scenario-based planning, geospatial analysis, risk assessment, and optimization models.
“Proactive planning for residential and industrial areas and anticipating potential power disruptions—which could trigger widespread interruptions to essential services such as transportation, water, and healthcare—is critical,” he added.
Following the meeting, both parties agreed to further collaborate on power sector modelling and policy recommendations aimed at safeguarding Sarawak’s energy infrastructure against the challenges of rising sea levels.
It drew lessons from recent events in China. In October 2024, seawater backflow incidents along China’s coast, from Liaoning to Jiangsu, served as a stark reminder of the risks. Coastal cities were flooded within minutes, despite the absence of rain or wind, potentially due to shifting continental shelves.
While these incidents were rare, they highlight the urgent need for governments to incorporate such risks into safety planning.
Dr Hazland emphasised that China’s westward relocation of key talents, industries, and assets could serve as a model for Sarawak to proactively assess and address its own coastal vulnerabilities.
“Failure to address these risks, the experts cautioned, could lead to severe economic and social consequences. Rising sea levels and shifting continental shelves pose a significant threat to the extensive coastline, where residential, industrial, and vital power infrastructure is concentrated,” he added.
The visit marks an important step toward enhancing cooperation on sustainable development and climate resilience, and strengthening partnerships between Sarawak and the global community to combat climate change, promote sustainable energy solutions, and secure a sustainable future for generations to come.
Dr Hazland expressed gratitude for the insightful presentation and reaffirmed Sarawak’s commitment to sustainable energy and climate resilience. — DayakDaily
