Abg Jo: Planned amendments to Sarawak Biodiversity Ordinance will aid research, allow for commercialisation

Abang Johari (centre) launches the Vision with Action for Biodiversity: Policy and Plan. He is flanked by Abu Bakar (right) and Abdullah. – Ukas photo

KUCHING (April 23): The state government plans to amend the Sarawak Biodiversity Ordinance to facilitate research and allow for the commercialisation of biodiversity research findings.

Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said this amendment would enable the Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (SBC) to commercialise its research.

He explained that the existing Ordinance restricts SBC from commercialising its research, thereby limiting the state’s potential to generate revenue from its biodiversity resources.

He cited Sarawak’s ongoing initiative to produce Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) using microalgae, in which SBC is actively involved.

“SBC cannot enter into any joint commercial collaboration with parties who recognise the potential of micro algae.

“That is why we are amending our Sarawak Biodiversity Ordinance to allow research and commercialisation of our research for the benefit of mankind,” he said when launching the Vision with Action for Biodiversity: Policy and Plan here last night.

He pointed out that the eventual commercial production of SAF would mark another milestone in Sarawak’s efforts to meet the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in promoting responsible production and consumption.

Abang Johari also shared that the Sarawak government is looking into cultivating the fast-growing native tree species Kalapayang, which is said to have better quality texture compared to Acacia, another fast-growing tree species commonly used for wood production.

“We have the land, and we can increase the number of tree species. It is circular in nature and will produce biomass (for green energy),” he said.

On the Sarawak Biodiversity Policy and Plan, he said it is designed to meet environmental, social and governance (ESG) requirements, aligned with the three pillars under the state’s Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.

“Our economic policy towards 2030 is one that balances the need for national growth with the need to preserve the environment,” he added.

Among those present at the event were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian; Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn; State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki; Deputy Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Minister Datuk Len Talif Salleh; Ministry of Natural Resources and Urban Development permanent secretary Datu Abdullah Julaihi; and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) resident representative to Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei Darussalam Edward Vrkíc.

Article by The Borneo Post