By Amanda L
KUCHING, Nov 10: Sarawak industries must strengthen compliance with international sustainability requirements to safeguard access to major export markets, including the European Union (EU), as global environmental regulations become more stringent.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said sustainability assessments extended beyond finished products to cover the entire production process, requiring industries to ensure every stage met international environmental standards.
“The European Union enforces very strict regulations and so do your other markets. This stems from a consensus on defining the issue of climate change.
“You are obliged to comply with these regulations,” he said during a fireside chat organised by Standard Chartered at the Standard Chartered–Invest Sarawak–BMCC Industrial Transition Forum here today.
Abang Johari also highlighted the importance of green energy, artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transaction systems in ensuring industrial operations remained efficient without compromising the environment.
“If you want to achieve your objectives by 2030 and beyond using green energy, then the system itself must be green,” he added.
Meanwhile, British High Commissioner to Malaysia, Ajay Sharma, said the United Kingdom was confident that its partnership with Sarawak could help translate the State’s green ambitions into investable projects that would generate sustainable economic growth.
He said the British High Commission was committed to facilitating such partnerships by combining the UK’s financial expertise and technological innovation with Sarawak’s potential in clean energy, natural resources and industrial development.
“Having a well-defined vision puts Sarawak in a strong position to pursue its ambitions,” he said.
Sharma said the UK could contribute expertise in financial services, green finance, technology, engineering and innovation to support Sarawak’s industrial transition.
He also highlighted UK Export Finance (UKEF), Britain’s export credit agency, which has the capacity to provide guarantees in Malaysian ringgit, making it a potential financing partner for clean energy projects in Sarawak.
“The agency has a market risk capacity of up to £5 billion and is focused on expanding its clean energy portfolio.
“Therefore, we believe there are significant opportunities ahead,” he said. — DayakDaily
