Sarawak Sustainability Blueprint
The global challenges we face today – ranging from climate change and biodiversity loss to social inequality and economic instability – demand urgent, thoughtful action.
Across the world, governments, industries, and communities are striving to find innovative solutions that balance the needs of today with the demands of tomorrow.
At its core, Sarawak’s Sustainability Blueprint represents a roadmap for action, informed by evidence-based strategies and built on a foundation of collaboration between stakeholders.
As Sarawak takes decisive steps toward sustainable development, a shift from reactive to proactive governance, prioritising environmental stewardship, equitable social progress, and economic innovation is necessary.
In line with the principles of solutions journalism, this article delves into the blueprint’s framework, exploring its multifaceted initiatives and the transformative impact it aims to achieve.
What is the Sarawak Sustainability Blueprint?
Unveiled during the Sarawak Sustainability Insights (SSI 2024) event in Kuching on October 29, 2024, the Sarawak Sustainability Blueprint represents a pivotal moment in addressing the state’s most pressing challenges toward a greener and more equitable future. Hosted by the Ministry of Energy and Environmental Sustainability Sarawak (MEESty) at Pullman Kuching, the event brought together policymakers, industry leaders, and visionaries to foster dialogue and gather insights on integrating sustainability into Sarawak’s economic and social fabric.
The blueprint—slated for release in early 2025—is still in its drafting stage, undergoing refinements to ensure it reflects the collective aspirations of diverse stakeholders at the time of writing.
With a focus on both Green Transition and Economic Equity, it aims to establish a comprehensive and balanced framework for integrating sustainable practices across key sectors while ensuring inclusivity and economic growth for all.
The Vision for Sarawak’s Sustainable Economy
Aligned with Sarawak’s long-term development goals, the blueprint builds on existing policies such as the Post-COVID Development Strategy 2030, Green Economy Policy, and Digital Economy Blueprint 2030. It complements ongoing initiatives like the Sarawak Integrated Transport Masterplan, Climate Change Policy, and Energy Transition Policy, positioning sustainability as the cornerstone of the state’s growth strategy.
At its heart, the Sarawak Sustainability Blueprint is a collaborative effort involving over 44 stakeholders such as the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB), Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB), and the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC).
Guided by ten strategic thrusts—ranging from energy transition and sustainable agriculture to social equity and tourism development—it sets ambitious targets designed to generate measurable impacts in economic growth, environmental stewardship, and social resilience.
Key enablers, such as government incentives, digital infrastructure, and strategic partnerships, ensure the feasibility and scalability of the blueprint’s initiatives.
By addressing sectors like construction, manufacturing, transport, agriculture, and tourism, the blueprint charts a course for Sarawak to achieve its vision of a low-carbon economy, thriving communities, and a sustainable environment.
As Sarawak prepares for the blueprint’s formal release, the document stands as a testament to the state’s commitment to turning aspirations into actionable solutions, setting a precedent for sustainable progress that other regions can follow.
Key Features and Proposed Initiatives
Energy Transition
The energy transition is a central pillar of the Sarawak Sustainability Blueprint, aimed at transforming the state’s energy system into one that is greener, more resilient, and aligned with global sustainability goals.
As energy consumption worldwide continues to rise—projected to increase by 3.4% annually through 2026. The industrial sector is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, presenting an opportunity for green technologies and practices to play a transformative role.
Evidently, the global shift to renewable energy is imperative for achieving climate targets. Southeast Asia remains heavily dependent on fossil fuels, but Sarawak has emerged as a leader in renewable energy production, with hydropower currently contributing 70% of the state’s energy generation mix.
This reliance on clean energy has placed Sarawak at the forefront of regional energy transition efforts.
However, the path to net-zero emissions by 2050 requires overcoming challenges, including infrastructure gaps, policy alignment, and the need for innovation in energy storage and distribution.
The global clean energy sector is also experiencing rapid growth, with an expected US$2 trillion in investments in clean energy technologies and infrastructure in 2024.
In line with this global momentum, Sarawak aims to play a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions and improving energy self-sufficiency through significant investments in renewable energy (RE) sources.
A key international benchmark is the 1.5°C pathway, which outlines the need to limit global warming to 1.5°C to avoid catastrophic climate impacts.
For Sarawak, this means diversifying their portfolio of cleaner, renewable energy solutions.
The state plans to boost its renewable energy capacity, particularly through solar, wind, and biomass, alongside its existing hydropower infrastructure.
By 2030, Sarawak aims to maintain a minimum 60% renewable energy capacity and generate 10 GW of renewable energy across a mix of hydroelectricity, solar, and natural gas by 2030, cementing its role as a regional power hub.
A hydrogen economy will be established through, with production scaling to support both domestic needs and export markets.
To achieve its ambitious goals, Sarawak has outlined comprehensive roadmaps like the Sarawak Gas Roadmap (SGR).
Renewable energy generation will be scaled up through the development of solar parks, wind farms, and biomass facilities.
This will be complemented by improvements to hydropower efficiency and the construction of cross-border interconnection grids, enabling energy exports to neighbouring countries.
The state is advancing its hydrogen economy by investing in large-scale electrolysis plants like H2biscus and H2ornbill powered by renewables.
Hydrogen refuelling stations will be built to support local adoption of fuel cell vehicles, with a long-term plan to position Sarawak as an export hub for green hydrogen.
Efforts to decarbonise existing industries include the deployment of CCS technologies, which will capture and store emissions from high-impact sectors like manufacturing and energy production.
Community engagement is integral to Sarawak’s energy transition.
Programs to up-skill the workforce in renewable energy technologies are being implemented, alongside initiatives to increase public awareness of energy efficiency practices.
Rural electrification projects will utilise solar micro-grids and hybrid systems, ensuring that no community is left behind.
Innovation is also a key focus, with Sarawak fostering partnerships between local universities, research institutions, and industry players to accelerate breakthroughs in renewable energy technology.
Policies to attract investments in clean energy and related industries will further support this ecosystem, making Sarawak a hub for green energy innovation.
Sustainable Stewardship of Natural Assets
Globally, 10 million hectares of forest are lost annually, and Sarawak has not been spared from this trend, with a 28% reduction in tree cover—equivalent to 3.27 million hectares—between 2001 and 2023.
Climate change and high product demand have driven much of this loss, putting local ecosystems under immense pressure. Meanwhile, marine ecosystems face similar threats.
In 2022, global fisheries and aquaculture production reached a record 223.2 million tons, yet 72% of threatened marine species live in under-protected areas, with marine protected areas (MPAs) covering only 9% of the world’s oceans.
These environmental challenges have increased the reliance on nature-based solutions as a means to combat climate change while generating new revenue streams.
Sarawak is leveraging this global momentum to align its strategies with international conservation goals and regional priorities.
Terrestrial and marine conservation is a central focus, with efforts to expand protected areas and establish ecological corridors that connect fragmented habitats.
These corridors are vital for maintaining wildlife movement and genetic diversity, as demonstrated by initiatives like the Heart of Borneo project, and the establishment of marine protected areas, incorporating zoning systems that balance ecosystem protection with sustainable human activities.
Sustainable resource management is another pillar of Sarawak’s strategy.
Forest management practices, such as Reduced Impact Logging (RIL) and the planting of native species, will be prioritised alongside the promotion of non-timber forest products (NTFPs).
Community-led enterprises will be encouraged to integrate agroforestry practices and expand access to broader markets, while certification schemes like the Malaysian Timber Certification Scheme (MTCS) will ensure sustainable forest practices.
Similarly, sustainable marine management will include ecosystem-based fisheries, pollution control, and aquaculture practices to safeguard marine biodiversity.
Restoration efforts will target both land and marine ecosystems, focusing on rehabilitating degraded areas through activities such as reforestation, wetland restoration, and coral reef rehabilitation.
Re-wilding initiatives will also be introduced within TPAs, prioritising the natural regeneration of degraded habitats and the reintroduction of native species.
To further bolster ecological resilience, Sarawak will promote social forestry initiatives, empowering communities to integrate traditional knowledge with modern conservation practices and actively participate in forest management.
Urban ecosystems will play a key role in enhancing the state’s sustainability. Sarawak plans to establish green spaces and urban forests, utilising green infrastructure to support local biodiversity and create climate-resilient urban areas.
The state will also prioritise water resource management by improving infrastructure, adopting advanced technologies, and expanding rural access to alternative water systems like solar-powered pumps and rainwater harvesting.
Inclusive Social Equity
Inclusive social equity is a cornerstone of sustainable development, ensuring that everyone, regardless of socioeconomic background, has access to basic needs and opportunities.
Globally, the challenge is immense: 1.6 billion people lack adequate housing, and this number could rise to 3 billion by 2030.
In education, 244 million children were not in school in 2023.
Healthcare access also remains a critical issue, with 4.5 billion people unable to access essential services, while the world’s ageing population – set to double to 2.1 billion by 2050 – further underscores the need for inclusive care systems.
In Sarawak, addressing these disparities is crucial to reducing poverty, improving living conditions, and building a society where everyone can thrive.
Sarawak’s approach to inclusive social equity is anchored in strategic action plans across housing, community services, labor, senior care, education, and healthcare.
- Housing: Sarawak will ensure the availability of quality, durable housing that meets structural safety standards, includes access to essential amenities, and is designed for functionality and comfort. Initiatives such as the affordable housing trust fund and rural housing programs will support low- and middle-income families through subsidised homeownership and rental options set below market rates.
- Community Services: Comprehensive support networks will be expanded to provide healthcare, education, employment, and rehabilitation services. These programs aim to offer everything from mobile health clinics and mental health counselling to tutoring services and career counselling, ensuring holistic community well-being.
- Labor Standards: Promoting safe and ethical labor practices is critical to building a fair and inclusive workforce. Efforts will focus on eliminating forced labor, discrimination, and exploitation, especially in high-risk sectors like manufacturing and agriculture, while ensuring workers are provided with living wages, reasonable hours, and safe working conditions.
- Senior Care: With Sarawak’s ageing population set to rise, the state will enhance infrastructure such as wheelchair-accessible walkways and senior-friendly public transport. Facilities including nursing homes, assisted living centres, and senior daycare will provide tailored care for low-income and general populations alike. Programs like the Kenyalang Gold Card will offer financial aid and discounts for essential services, further improving quality of life for seniors.
- Education and Healthcare: Sarawak will prioritise quality education by upgrading school infrastructure, particularly in rural areas, and providing inclusive learning environments for differently-abled students. Healthcare access will also expand through rural clinics, mobile health units, and telemedicine programs. Community-based health initiatives will address urban and rural needs alike, from vaccination drives to mental health awareness campaigns.
Why The Sustainability Blueprint Matters
The Sustainability Blueprint represents not just Sarawak’s plans for its own future, but also its commitment to achieving global environmental, social, and economic transformation.
It anticipates the challenges of climate change, embraces opportunities in the green economy, and sets a foundation for sustainable growth.
As Sarawak Premier aptly stated, “By fostering synergies among sectors, we can enhance our efficiency in resource planning and implementation, ensuring that every effort contributes meaningfully to our sustainability goals.”
This vision is crucial for addressing current environmental challenges while preparing for the disruptions and opportunities of tomorrow.
Global trends reinforce the urgency of such initiatives.
Renewable energy investment now surpasses traditional power generation, with technologies like wind and solar becoming more cost-effective than fossil fuels in most regions.
The transportation sector is similarly undergoing rapid transformation, evidenced by the rise of electric vehicles, improved energy efficiency in shipping, and commitments like Pos Malaysia’s transition to 100% electric delivery vehicles by 2030.
Despite these strides, the world remains off track to meet the Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting warming to 1.5°C. To succeed, greenhouse gas emissions must peak by 2025 and decline by 43% by 2030.
Sarawak’s blueprint positions the state to be a leader in this transition.
By investing in innovative technologies such as hydrogen, biofuels, carbon capture, and renewable energy infrastructure, the state can seize the economic opportunities that come with global decarbonisation.
Likewise, Sarawak’s pivotal role in supporting Malaysia’s carbon reduction targets, highlighting advancements in hydropower, solar, biomass, and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
These initiatives showcase the state’s commitment to both environmental sustainability and economic growth.
In the broader context, this transformation requires collective global innovation.
The energy supply sector must undergo massive changes, from phasing out internal combustion engines to deploying large-scale sequestration solutions like afforestation, seaweed farming, and direct air capture.
These efforts are not just about meeting global targets but about ensuring Sarawak remains competitive and resilient in an evolving economic landscape.
Moving Forward
The Sustainability Blueprint serves as a guide to help Sarawak navigate this shift.
It underscores the need for sector-specific solutions, efficient capital use, and a proactive approach to identifying and leveraging disruptions.
Transitioning from coal to gas, advancing offshore wind and solar technologies, and scaling up biosequestration efforts are just a few pathways that can lead to growth and prosperity.
By securing the necessary capital and fostering a spirit of innovation, Sarawak can position itself as a model for sustainable development.
As the world faces the daunting task of transforming its energy, industrial, and agricultural systems within two decades, Sarawak’s initiatives remind us that there is no single solution.
Instead, the combined efforts of governments, industries, and communities will determine whether we can meet this moment of challenge and opportunity.
The Sustainability Blueprint is not just Sarawak’s strategy—it is a testament to the power of collective action and a hopeful vision for a greener, more equitable future.
References
- Sarawak Sustainability Blueprint Gallery Walk (Draft)
- FEEDBACK & INPUT: SARAWAK SUSTAINABILITY INSIGHTS (SSI 2024)
- Post-COVID Development Strategy 2030
- Green Economy Policy
- Digital Economy Blueprint 2030
- Integrated Transport Master Plan Lab Launched To Shape Future Of Sarawak’s Transport System
- Premier: Sarawak to establish centre to handle climate change initiatives, carbon trading
- Premier unveils Sarawak Energy Transition Policy to ensure sustainable energy future
- International Energy Agency (IEA) — Electricity 2024
- Sarawak surpasses 2030 RE target, logs 62% capacity mix as of 2024
- International Energy Agency (IEA) — Net Zero by 2050
- Rethinking the role of long-term investors in the energy transition
- Net Zero Roadmap: A Global Pathway to Keep the 1.5 °C Goal in Reach
- Sarawak Gas Roadmap
- Rural Electrification
- Deforestation and Forest Loss
- Global aquaculture production reaches unprecedented high
- First assessment of how many marine species, especially those threatened with extinction, occur in Marine Protected Areas
- Heart of Borneo
- Sarawak National Parks & Nature Reserves
- FAO-EU FLEGT Programme In Collaboration
- Non-Timber Forest Products
- Malaysian Timber Certification Scheme (MTCS)
