Dr Rundi (fourth right), Sharbini (centre), Liwan (third right), Alice (fourth left) and others pose for a group photo next to the Saref sign after the closing ceremony of the forum. — Photo by Chimon Upon
KUCHING: Sarawak fully embraces the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) which calls for the cooperation of the public sector, private sector and civil society to contribute towards the global sustainability agenda.
Utilities Minister Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said since 2010, the state has reduced its dependence on fossil fuel generation and moved towards a low carbon economy through renewable hydropower development as a catalyst to drive Sarawak’s next wave of economic growth.
“Sarawak began the transition before the world woke up to the climate change crisis and will continue to harness our hydropower potential to power growth, balancing this with indigenous coal and gas for security.
“Our sustainable energy blueprint balances energy security, energy reliability and energy affordability for the benefit of our children and their future generation,” he said when closing the Sustainability and Renewable Energy Forum (Saref) at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here yesterday.
He pointed out that Sarawak has tapped into its abundant natural resources such as oil and gas, coal and water which have been developed for the sake of the people.
“We cannot escape the impact of global climate change on our water-related sectors such as water supply, forest and our power generation mix which continues to be predominantly renewable hydropower.
“With the change in the magnitude and intensity of rainfall and associated increase in extreme flood and drought events, we have identified and included these considerations in our strategies and master plans for water supply and energy development,” he said.
On Saref, Dr Rundi said it is necessary for the state to continue learning best practices from around the globe.
“The discussions on how the energy industry, business sector and civil society can move forward in building a sustainable energy future while helping to meet the United Nations SDG has been beneficial as has been the viewpoints from subject matter experts and champions of sustainability such as (United Nations Development Programme goodwill ambassador) Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh.
“The knowledge we have gained through Saref is invaluable with insights that will inspire us to continue to adapt, innovate and commit to be part of the global movement and be the change,” he said.
Meanwhile, Sarawak Energy group chief executive officer Datu Sharbini Suhaili said Saref has shown that there is no one path to a sustainable energy future and it requires a confluence of objectives through partnerships with diverse stakeholders.
“This forum welcomes greater understanding of the role of renewable hydropower as the most affordable solution to drive sustainable economic growth and reduce energy poverty in the region.”
He stressed that Saref aspires to ensure large hydro dams is recognised as a renewable energy resource in Malaysia; work towards greater policy support from government to enable businesses to deliver on decarbonisation initiatives; promote a holistic ecosystem, involving the support of all stakeholders, including the provision of basic infrastructure and fiscal incentives on electric and fuel-cell vehicles; foster greater collaboration with key stakeholders, leveraging on Saref as a platform to deliver the SDG; and embed concepts on circular economy to advance Sarawak Energy’s sustainability journey.
The inaugural two-day forum saw the participation of more than 1,000 participants comprising panel speakers, moderators and over 700 delegates from Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Bangladesh, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, United States and the Philippines.
Also present were Assistant Minister of Utilities (Rural Electricity) Datuk Liwan Lagang and Ministry of Utilities permanent secretary Dato Alice Jawan Empaling.