KUCHING: Sarawak is giving priority to quality over quantity of growth under its green economy initiative to ensure that the economic benefits of development are shared by all members of society.
Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg said this is to ensure that the environment is protected for future generations.
"The green economy initiative will also integrate circular economy approaches to produce high value-added products and energy sources to offset its associated carbon footprint," he said when opening the five-day 10th World Congress of Herpetology (WCH) here, today.
He said the state government has introduced legislation such as Forest (Forest Carbon Activity) Rules, 2022; Land (Carbon Storage) Rules, 2022; and Environment (Reduction of Greenhouse Gases Emission) Ordinance, 2023, to complement the green economy initiative.
Abang Johari said the state government will table a Bill in the coming Legislative Assembly sitting to amend the Natural Resources and Environment Ordinance which will better regulate environmental issues; and for sustainable management of natural resources and protection of environmental quality in the state.
He said a Bill will also be tabled to amend the National Parks and Nature Reserves Ordinance as well as the Wild Life Protection Ordinance which will include steeper fines and prison sentences to any offender upon conviction in court.
He said the green economy initiative is Sarawak's response to the challenges posed by climate change, to develop a lush landscape and environmental protection, where nature and industry seamlessly intertwine through sustainable industries, such as renewable energy, eco-tourism, and sustainable agriculture.
The WCH is attended by 1,400 international delegates from 70 countries, including Malaysia.