OYA: The state government is looking at the mangrove areas in Oya, Mukah and Dalat to be developed as carbon storage research locations at a cost of approximately RM30 million.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said recent findings from a study by the Sarawak Information Technology System (SAINS) found that the mangrove trees have potentials for the purpose.
“Last week I received information from SAINS stating that storing carbon in mangrove areas along the state’s coast has three times the storage capacity compared to ordinary trees,” he said when officiating at the Melanau Heritage Gallery in Oya Square today.
He added that the state government would also develop Saribas because the coastal area from Kuching to Lawas is a mangrove area that must be taken care of as to maintain environmental sustainability.
“This is one of the new economic activities that will spur the rural economic growth,” he said.
Abang Johari stated that this was in line with the state government’s initiative to set up a research centre for the development of sago and nipah industry in Dalat district through the Sago and Nipah Development Board (SNDB).
He asserted that the establishment of the board would provide good returns to the state’s economy through new sources of income.
“I still remember the promise made to study and upgrade as well as produce downstream industries based on sago and nipah. The Oya sub district in Dalat will be the centre of this new industrial activity.
“That is why we immediately set up the board as soon as the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) approves the Sago and Nipah Development Board Bill 2022.
“This is an economic activity that will give a return to rural economic growth and we will develop its centre in Dalat.”
He explained that the board would also play a role in conducting studies and upgrading the downstream industry under the Ministry of Energy and Environmental Sustainability.
