MIRI – The state government has promised to preserve 50% of Sarawak as forests, said Chief Minister Datuk Abang Johari Openg on Sarawak Day today.
This is one of the commitments that state ruling coalition Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) will undertake under its 2030 development plan.
Speaking at his office in Kuching, he said the state understands the need to pair economic development with environmental considerations.
“We will make sure that at least 50% of Sarawak is covered by forests. We acknowledge the need to address all the growing concerns pertaining to environmental issues.
“The international community has given greater emphasis on greening efforts, on climate change issues, on environmental degradation and related matters.
“We in Sarawak share similar concerns although currently hit by infections and deaths due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We have to plan ahead as we do not know how long this pandemic will last.
“Today, as we celebrate Sarawak Day, we start on a plan to boost our economic development until 2030 as part of post-pandemic recovery.
“We will focus on digital and technological innovations, green energy, sustainable development of forests and agriculture resources, investment in services sectors, mining and focusing on overcoming rural poverty and urban poverty.”
Johari promised to balance the pursuit of economic growth with responsible management of the environment.
The aim of the state government is to achieve a gross domestic product growth of 6% to 8% every year until 2030, he said.
The state hopes to secure revenue of at least RM282 billion per annum by 2030, he added.
Sarawak Day commemorates July 22, 1963 when the state gained independence from the British.
Sarawak then joined Malaya, Singapore and Sabah to form the federation of Malaysia on September 16, 1963.
Singapore left nearly two years later. – The Vibes, July 22, 2021
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