KUCHING: Now is the time for strong action towards sustainability, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said in handing over the reins of the future to the children and grandchildren one day, the state must make bold and innovative decisions today.
“This is our responsibility as stewards of future generations. We must grow responsibly and sustainably.
“While strategic planning, regulatory enforcement and compliance are put in place to address and mitigate current environmental issues, we must not forget our long-term objectives of advocating environmentalism in society.
“Sustained and continuous public awareness campaigns must be carried out to draw public attention to their equal responsibility in safeguarding the environment,” he said.
He said this in his speech during the awards presentation of the 10th Premier of Sarawak Environmental Award (PSEA) 2021/2022 here, last night (Dec 14).
He also said that with a soft enforcement approach, through various outreach programmes, the state is confident it can help to effectively transform public apathy towards an environment conscious society.
“I know there are already many corporate, private sector and NGOs coming forward and collaborating with environmental agencies to promote and champion various environmental and conservation initiatives.
“Companies like Sarawak Energy, Shell, Petronas, MLNG, Trieneken, Sarawak Timber Association (STA) and NGOs such as WWF, MNS and AZAM all have their respective programmes to teach our people to appreciate the benefits of a clean and sustainable environment. We really appreciate their corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts and hope for their continuous support.
“We do hope that our local efforts in protecting our environment will contribute towards global initiatives in reducing the emission of greenhouse gases and combating global warming,” he said.
Meanwhile, Abang Johari also said that Sarawak’s rich natural resources are not undepletable.
“Our oil and gas resources will one day dry up, and therefore, we must adopt a policy that will ensure that Sarawak has the ability to generate income in the future when we cannot depend on our oil and gas anymore.
“Towards this end, our commitment towards ensuring environmental sustainability is exemplified by our bold efforts to develop the state into a hydrogen economy hub in the region, renewable energy generation by our hydro-power dams, solar power, carbon capture utilisation and storage (CCUS) and voluntary carbon credit trading,” he said.
