KUCHING (Jan 13): Sarawak will be introducing a carbon levy on facilities in the oil, gas and energy sectors this year, said Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

He said the proceeds from the levy will be channelled into a dedicated Climate Change Fund.

“This is to support renewable energy deployment, energy efficiency, forest conservation, grid modernisation and climate-resilience initiatives,” he said in his speech at the 2026 Sarawak Premier’s Address on Tuesday.

The ceremony was held in conjunction with his ninth anniversary as the Premier of Sarawak.

Meanwhile, Abang Johari said 2026 will be a defining year for Sarawak, marking the point at which preparation gives way to performance and credibility is measured by tangible outcomes on the ground.

“Over the past few years, Sarawak has put in place strategies, institutions and financing mechanisms required for long-term development.

“In 2026, these foundations must translate into visible and tangible results. Implementation-ready projects must move forward decisively,” he said.

Abang Johari said that bottlenecks arising from overlapping processes, excessive risk aversion or unclear authority must be resolved swiftly.

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