KOTA SAMARAHAN: It is important to have scientific evidence when weighing the pros and cons of implementing development projects on peat soil, said Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Recalling his trip to Finland to discuss planting trees in areas with peat soil, the chief minister said he was approached by a delegation from the European Union (EU) who warned him of the danger of exploiting such land.
However, Abang Johari said the delegation failed to convince him of the merits of their contention.
“What I am saying is that we must have scientific evidence to show whether something is right or wrong. Our conviction must be supported by evidence.
“Against their claims, we are supporting Stropi (Sarawak Tropical Peat Research Institute) to do the necessary research,” he said when speaking at the 10th anniversary celebration of the Malaysian Peat Society (MPS) at the institute here on Monday.
He said the importance of scientific research has also led him to form the state Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Research (MESTR) as part of his Cabinet.
“We must try to get scientific evidence and at this age we can use AI (Artificial Intelligence) and data analytics.
“You collect your data and derive certain solutions to certain challenges when we are about to use peat as part of our economic development,” he explained.
Abang Johari asserted that this is the way forward for the state and the use of new technology to analyse data and to derive outcomes must be applied to future challenges as well as to share the research findings with the rest of the world.
“Our objective is not only for Sarawak or Malaysia. Let MPS, with Sarawak as the backbone, convince the world that peat is useful in our economic development.
“I hope we can do further research and try to convince the world that carbon emission is not only because of peat,” he said, assuring that the state would avoid polluting the environment and is committed to its efforts to utilise green energy.
The chief minister also pointed out that building roads, bridges and villages or settlements cannot be avoided as people must do everything to survive.
“What we want to do is to put food on the table for our people and that is the main reason why we will put money on research including one on peat soil.
“Some of the money from Petronas (Petroliam Nasional Berhad) will be used to fund our research,” he said.
Also present at the event were Education, Science and Technological Research Minister Datuk Seri Michael Manyin Jawong, Sarawak State Secretary Datuk Amar Jaul Samion, Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Assistant Minister Datuk Len Talif Salleh and MPS president Dr Lulie Melling amongst others.
