By DayakDaily Team
TANJUNG MANIS, Aug 5: Sarawak is exploring the potential of Rajang Mangrove National Park as a carbon credit trading hub, with the State’s largest mangrove ecosystem also offering opportunities for sustainable nature-based activities such as “koyong” (mud creeper snail) farming.
According to a report by TVS, Deputy Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Datuk Len Talif Salleh said the Kuala Rajang mangrove forest has significant potential for carbon-related initiatives due to its vast size and ecological importance.
He said a carbon stock assessment is currently being conducted for the area, with efforts to attract investors into carbon credit trading to begin once the necessary regulatory processes are completed.
“The report has already been submitted to the Forest Department Sarawak (FDS), and after obtaining the licence, we can trade carbon.
“We will look for investors, including the Sarawak Tourism Board (STB). STB can also become an investor by purchasing carbon credits,” he said at the EcoGreen Planet 2026 Tree Planting Programme held at the Kampung Rajang Community Hall here today.
Len Talif said while carbon credit trading remains voluntary and has yet to be made mandatory at the national level, Sarawak is well positioned to pursue such initiatives as the State already has its own carbon trading legislation approved by the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUNS) several years ago.
He said the development of carbon-related initiatives at Rajang Mangrove National Park could complement conservation efforts while creating new economic opportunities for local communities.
Meanwhile, Len Talif thanked STB for selecting Rajang Mangrove National Park as the venue for the mangrove planting programme, which also involved members of the local community.
He stressed that community participation is crucial as many residents in Kuala Rajang rely on the mangrove ecosystem for their livelihoods.
Beyond carbon trading, Len Talif said the area also has potential for sustainable nature-based economic activities, including koyong farming, supported by the healthy mangrove environment and clean water quality.
He expressed hope that STB would continue collaborating with local communities through more conservation and sustainable development programmes in the future. — DayakDaily
