KUCHING: Sarawak’s policies on environmental management and green energy have received international recognition, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He recalled his recent working visit to Tokyo, Japan, where he delivered a keynote address at the World Hydrogen Asia 2025 conference.
He noted that Sarawak’s Sustainability Blueprint and its commitment to producing clean, renewable energy for global use had been acknowledged on the world stage.
“I recently shared our policies with the international community in Tokyo.
“During a panel discussion, Sarawak was recognised for its contributions in environmental management and green energy,” he said during the launch of the International Day of Forests 2025 celebration, themed ‘Forests and Foods’, held here today.
On the management and governance of natural resources, Abang Johari emphasised that development must never come at the expense of the environment.
“There must be a balance between environmental conservation and state development,” he stressed.
He added that the Sarawak Government prioritises the responsible management of its natural resources.
“Our resources must be managed wisely. Doing so will open up economic opportunities driven by our efforts to preserve the environment.
“For example, our commitment to developing renewable and green energy.
“We aim to conserve the environment so that we can effectively monitor and control carbon emissions.
“If we fail to manage our environment with sustainability as a foundation, global temperatures will continue to rise – posing a threat not just to nations, but to humanity as a whole.
“This is one of the major challenges facing the world today. That is why we have set our sights on building a green economy,” he said.
Abang Johari also commended the Forest Department Sarawak (FDS) for exceeding the Greening Sarawak Campaign target, having successfully planted over 50 million trees, surpassing the original goal of 35 million trees by 2025.