KUCHING, 3 March 2026 (The Capital Post) — Malaysia’s approach to climate governance must fully integrate the roles and capabilities of both Sabah and Sarawak, while keeping national policy frameworks aligned, said Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, Premier of Sarawak.
Speaking at the launch of the Malaysia Subnational Climate Change Institutional Assessment (CCIA) report, Abang Johari stressed that under the Federal Constitution and the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), Sarawak retains jurisdiction over key areas including land, forestry, marine territories, and natural resources — assets that position it squarely at the heart of subnational climate action.
“This institutional arrangement is a strength if well-coordinated,” he said, underscoring that effective climate policy must recognise and tap into the distinct governance capacities of both East Malaysian states.
The CCIA report — a collaborative effort involving Sarawak’s Ministry of Energy and Environmental Sustainability, the Sabah Climate Action Council, and the World Bank — evaluates the climate governance frameworks of both states and offers recommendations to strengthen institutional readiness and environmental performance.
Abang Johari welcomed the report’s acknowledgment of Sarawak’s progress in climate governance and emphasised the importance of working in tandem with the Federal Government and partner states to ensure policy alignment, shared learning, and coordinated implementation.
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His remarks come amid ongoing efforts in Sarawak to institutionalise climate leadership, including the formation of a dedicated Climate and Energy Diplomacy Unit to advance regional and international engagement on climate and energy transitions.
The Premier has also highlighted the need for sustainable finance to support emissions reduction efforts — particularly in tackling complex challenges like Scope 3 emissions that require collaboration across entire industry value chains.
State-level climate planning in Sarawak further includes initiatives such as a carbon levy for major industries and the development of a comprehensive climate roadmap aimed at achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 — both designed to catalyse decarbonisation while anchoring economic resilience.
As Malaysia continues refining its climate policy architecture, Sabah and Sarawak’s expanded roles are expected to be central to more effective, bottom-up environmental governance and to realising national and global climate commitments.- The Capital Post
