KUCHING: Sarawak is set to play a leading role in addressing climate change and driving the global energy transition with its abundant renewable resources, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.
He lamented that, despite Sarawak already achieving net-zero carbon emissions, the state continues to face environmental impacts caused by emissions from other regions.
Nevertheless, the state remains committed to contributing to global climate change solutions.
“Sarawak will continue to play its role and contribute to global climate change efforts through various initiatives and solutions, leveraging the natural resources we are blessed with.
“Over the last 100 years, many countries became rich and fully developed through ‘petrol money’.
“In the next 10 years, Sarawak aspires to achieve similar success through green energy and energy transition initiatives, addressing climate change while helping to save humanity,” he said in a Facebook statement.
His remarks followed his recent visit to Japan, where he observed trees still holding onto their autumn leaves just a week before Christmas.
He said the locals informed him that this was an unprecedented sight in Japan, further stressing that climate change is real and already impacting the world.
Reflecting on the changes in Sarawak over the past decade, Dr Sim noted the transformative journey of the state, which has grown significantly since 2014.
He called on Sarawakians to envision an even more advanced Sarawak by 2030, driven by its contributions to global sustainability.
Dr Sim also expressed pride in Sarawak’s achievements in medical services, particularly the Sarawak Heart Centre, which Newsweek recently ranked as one of the top 100 cardiac facilities in the Asia-Pacific region.
“We are currently ranked 48th, and with additional funding and support from the federal government, we could be in the top 10.
“We are not just cheap and good; we are good and cost-effective,” he added.
Amid global reports of severe weather events linked to climate change — including typhoons in China and the Philippines, floods in Malaysia, and hurricanes in the United States — Dr Sim stressed the urgent need for worldwide action.
“Every Sarawakian must realise that, despite being from the jungles of Borneo, we have a vital role in the fight against climate change,” he said.
