Sarawak government, Shell agree to collaborate in biodiversity protection, restoration
Lo (third right) presents a memento to Abang Johari. From left are Majang, Tiong, and Wilfred.
BINTULU: Shell Malaysia Ltd and the Sarawak government, through the Ministry of Urban Development and Natural Resources, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) Monday night to explore nature conservation, restoration, and enhancement.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said Sarawak is willing to work with Shell to find and explore new ways of biodiversity conservation towards clean energy.
“We want all the concessionaires in timber to plant trees in our forest — they cut, (thus) they must replant trees, that will become a renewable resource for us while at the same time produce oxygen to the world,” he said during Shell MDS’ 25th anniversary gala dinner on Monday.
He said Shell is known for its efforts in terms of research and development (R&D) to explore new technologies.
“It is our belief that we can combine our technology together, and with our determination to conserve our environment, we can produce a good and healthy environment for all of us,” he said.
On reforestation, Abang Johari said the government hopes to work with Shell on a pilot project to plant fast growing trees.
“Perhaps we can explore the possibility of biomass technology, to produce new products, and if we can have this renewable source of energy, you can rest assured that it will benefit the industries based on our strength in biomass and this needs lot of R&D.
“Sarawak government is prepared to do that with our partners for our future generation. That could be a new business model for Shell, and being an energy company, I’m sure Shell also wants to go for clean energy,” he said.
Abang Johari pointed out Sarawak is also exploring the possibility of producing hydrogen from water.
“Who knows that hydrogen can become another liquid hydrogen and we can send it overseas for clean energy; maybe we have another joint venture between Shell and the state government,” he said.
Shell Malaysia chairman Datuk Iain Lo said the MoU shows Shell is serious about reducing its net carbon footprint.
“The feasibility study will focus on developing an environmentally sustainable, economically-viable and certifiable programme, premised on the conservation, restoration and enhancement of Sarawak’s natural landscape, such as forests, wetlands, peatlands and mangroves,” said Lo.
Among those present were Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Wilfred Madius Tangau, Bintulu MP Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, and Samalaju assemblyman Majang Renggi.