By Ashley Sim and Ling Hui
KUCHING, April 27: Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has proposed classifying carbon as a commodity and coordinating it through the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities.
Abang Johari mentioned this when met by reporters after officiating at the Premier’s Department 2023 Hari Raya celebration, which was held today at the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly here.
“I propose that this carbon is a commodity that can be traded. Evidently, if it is a commodity, it falls under the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities, which is headed by Deputy Prime Minister Dato Sri Fadillah Yusof.
“And if this can be agreed upon, then carbon trading can be coordinated because Sarawak is the only region that is very forward with carbon business.
“Also, the registration of legal parameters should be in place when we sell and buy carbon,” he explained.
Abang Johari also expressed hope that the federal government would have a regulatory procedure based on international carbon trade.
“That is why I propose that this carbon be recognised as a commodity which is recognised by the United Nations (UN), and be coordinated by the Ministry of Commodities, which is under Dato Sri Fadilah,” he added.
The Premier emphasised that Sarawak is a national international player, and carbon trading takes place all over the world.
“So, Malaysia must have its position in the international trading protocol. We are just the constituency State in Malaysia and therefore there must be engagement between the world players.
“This means that commodity (carbon) must be under the Ministry of Commodities,” he added.
“I have suggested to the Deputy Prime Minister to debate the matter in the Cabinet.
“Now, it is under the Ministry of Energy but should be removed from Energy because it is a commodity. The important thing is that the UN has decided that this carbon is a commodity.”
The Premier also disclosed that the aforementioned matter was discussed with Fadillah.
Earlier in his speech, he also stated that the discussion was to ensure that the parameters for the Sarawka government to implement carbon trading as an economic activity are in place.
He also noted that Sarawak is transitioning from traditional economic development to a new approach based on the new economy.
“I’d also like to express my congratulations because even foreign leaders recognise that our economy is making strides in this new era of decarbonisation,” Abang Johari added. — DayakDaily
