Malaysia’s Sarawak leads with first local-based sustainability plan

Sarawak Premier Abang Johari Unveils strategic blueprint to drive inclusive, low-carbon growth. (Photo: Sarawak Premiere's office)

Sarawak, a state in Malaysia, has unveiled the country's first sustainability plan. The framework outlines three core goals, ten strategic thrusts, and 111 action plans, forming the foundation for the state’s transition to net zero.

Additionally, Sarawak’s carbon market initiative is in its final revision stage and is expected to attract greater investment in emissions reduction upon implementation.

Sarawak reinforces green economy with sustainability blueprint

At the Asia Carbon Conference held in Kuching on May 28 to 29, Sarawak Premier Abang Johari announced the Sarawak Sustainability Blueprint 2030, detailing the state's strategy for a green economic transition.

According to the state’s Ministry of Energy and Environmental Sustainability, the ten strategic focus areas include: energy transition, sustainable agriculture and food security, sustainable mobility, circular economy, sustainable manufacturing, sustainable mining, sustainable stewardship of natural assets, sustainable cities, inclusive social equity integrated tourism development.

The blueprint sets out three overarching goals: driving economic growth and prosperity, enhancing environmental governance, and building a healthy, resilient, and inclusive society.

Premier Abang Johari emphasized that the blueprint encompasses nearly all sustainability-related issues and is designed to embed green principles into Sarawak’s social and economic structures. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to advancing renewable energy, developing carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies, strengthening forest and land protection, and encouraging green industry investments.

The "Sustainability Blueprint 2030" outlines ten strategic focus areas, including energy transition, sustainable agriculture, and food security. (Photo: iStock)

Carbon Plan aims to drive green investment

By 2030, Sarawak aims to maintain its renewable energy share at 60%. This includes expanding hydroelectric capacity to 4,800 MW and adding 1,500 MW of solar power. The state also targets an energy export capacity of 130 MW and plans to install 400 electric vehicle charging stations.

The Premier also announced that the state’s Carbon Plan is nearing completion. Once launched, it is expected to play a key role in attracting carbon market investments. On the supply side, the focus will remain on nature-based solutions. On the demand side, with support from the World Bank, Sarawak is developing a carbon tax framework aligned with international standards.

In addition, Abang Johari pledged to release a comprehensive Greenhouse Gas Inventory by 2027. This will account for CO₂ emissions across sectors and enable better tracking of emission reduction outcomes and implementation of a carbon budgeting system.

Source: The Star, The Edge Malaysia, Sarawak Tribune