by DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, April 23: The Sarawak government will amend the Sarawak Biodiversity Ordinance to enable the commercialisation of research breakthroughs from the Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (SBC), Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg announced.
According to him, under the existing ordinance, the SBC is not allowed to carry out commercial activities and this has prevented Sarawak from capitalising on significant opportunities in the green energy industry.
“I have decided to amend the ordinance so that research and commercialisation can be carried out, and the results can be shared with the world,” he said during the Launch Ceremony of Vision With Action For Biodiversity: Policy And Plan last night, according to a report by Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas).
He pointed out that the amendment to the ordinance is important to enable the commercial potential of biodiversity materials to be optimally utilised, including through strategic collaboration with the legitimate authorities.
The Premier highlighted algae research as an example of work with significant commercial potential, particularly for producing biofuels, including Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
“If this algae is able to produce biofuels, and becomes SAF, then we will also contribute to the aviation industry with environmentally friendly fuel which will reduce carbon emissions from aircraft,” he explained.
The Premier also highlighted the potential of kelampayan trees in biomass production for hybrid power generation. This fast-growing native species, which has better wood texture compared to acacia, has the potential to be used for hybrid power generation using a mixture of biomass, gas and hydrogen.
“In fact, with a mixture of hydrogen and carbon, we can produce synthetic gas. All this requires appropriate policies, and it is important for Sarawak to achieve ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) standards,” he added.
He added that this initiative aligns with the Sustainable Development Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and exemplifies Sarawak’s nature-based approach to economic development.
He stressed that Sarawak’s biodiversity plan and actions must encompass aspects of economy, prosperity, inclusion, and environmental sustainability. – DayakDaily
