KUCHING – Sarawak has taken a significant step in advancing its climate governance framework with the launch of the Subnational Climate Change Institutional Assessment (CCIA) Report 2026, officiated by the Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg on 3 March 2026.
In his keynote address, the Premier described the CCIA as a strategic roadmap rather than a mere technical document. He emphasised that the report provides institutional clarity, strengthens coordination, and builds resilience in addressing climate challenges.
“Today, we mark an important milestone in Sarawak’s climate journey. This is not just the launch of a report but a statement of intent about how we govern, how we invest, and how we safeguard our future in the face of climate change,” he said.
The Premier highlighted that the CCIA reflects collaboration between Sarawak, Sabah, and federal partners, underscoring the importance of nationwide cooperation in climate governance.
He stressed that climate action is embedded in Sarawak’s Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030), which aims to transform the state into a high-income, inclusive, and sustainable economy.
He noted that economic growth must align with environmental stewardship, with climate considerations integrated into infrastructure planning, resource management, industrial development, and fiscal policy.
Extreme weather events such as floods and landslides, he added, are already affecting communities and straining public finances.
The Premier pointed out that Sarawak and Sabah, with their vast forests and biodiversity, are central to Malaysia’s climate narrative. “We are not only part of the national emissions profile, but we are central to the solution,” he said, stressing responsible land management and leadership in energy transition.
He underscored the importance of strong institutions in delivering lasting climate outcomes. “Targets alone are not enough. Ambition without institutional clarity leads to fragmentation. Strong institutions ensure continuity and translate political commitment into sustained action,” he remarked.
On carbon pricing, he explained that Sarawak’s carbon levy framework is being developed with clear legal authority, transparent governance, and alignment with national policies. He added that the state’s objective is coherence, ensuring that innovation at the state level strengthens Malaysia’s overall climate architecture.
The Premier also emphasised the global significance of Sabah and Sarawak’s forests, calling for sustainable financing mechanisms to support forest governance. “Environmental protection must generate value, not only cost; and that value must be underpinned by credible and well-coordinated institutions,” he said.
He further highlighted Sarawak’s collaboration with the World Bank in areas such as public financial management and state-owned enterprise reform, noting that strong economic governance complements climate governance.
To reinforce this commitment, Sarawak has established the Sarawak Climate and Energy Diplomacy Unit (SACED), supported by the Sarawak Climate Change Centre. The unit will represent Sarawak in global climate forums, advise on major projects, and integrate climate considerations into state planning.
Concluding his address, the Premier reaffirmed Sarawak’s resolve to lead responsibly in climate action. “Climate leadership is not measured by words alone. It is measured by institutions that endure, systems that deliver, and decisions that protect the next generation,” he said.
The launch was attended by senior state leaders including Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Datuk Amar Prof Dr Sim Kui Hian, Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nasar, Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai, Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni, and Apurva Sanghi, World Bank Chief Economist for Malaysia.
