Media Statement by Violet Yong:
Sarawak aspires to be an international leader in renewable energy and a pioneer in climate action. We have witnessed a surge of initiatives, such as the Kasawari Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) project and the State’s ambition to become a global hydrogen provider.
However, there is growing a concern that we are neglecting the fundamental rights of Sarawakians in the race towards industrial-scale climate projects. While Sarawak champion large-scale ventures, it seems that there is a disproportionate lack of effort in safeguarding the rights of our people and the environment. In the face of the climate crisis, genuine and just climate action must include protections for human rights and environmental sustainability. We cannot afford to overlook these issues.
Therefore, I urge the State Government to consider improving the following three areas that have critical impact on the environment:
1. Safeguards in Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) Projects
Kasawari the largest offshore CCS project located at Block SK316 about 200 km off Bintulu is being hailed as a milestone in Sarawak’s energy transition, but there are serious doubts about its efficacy. Although the global proponents claim CCS can capture up to 90% of CO₂ emissions and consequently disposed, the reality is far less promising. In fact, the global average capture rate is around 49%, with some projects capturing as little as 10%.
What action will be taken if the Kasawari project falls short of its targets? Will the project proponents be held accountable? And more importantly, what are the measures in place to monitor and access the effectiveness of the CCS project? CCS is far from exact science. Sarawak government should know that there have been many critiques levelled against CCS technology. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), carbon capture is the most expensive and least effective method of reducing CO₂ emissions. In fact, nearly half of the CCS projects announced globally between 1995 and 2019 were either cancelled or put on hold.
Given these realities, why is Sarawak pushing ahead with such confidence that this project will succeed? The Kasawari project may carry international prestige, but prestige should not come at the cost of public funds and environmental integrity. We must question whether Sarawak’s resources are being spent wisely on a technology which is underperformance. Furthermore, we must consider the long-term implications of investing in such projects. Even if Kasawari project is positioned as a solution for reducing emissions, we must be cautious not to invest into a technology that may fail to deliver the desired results. The Sarawak Government must demand rigorous evaluations, independent assessments and hold stakeholders accountable at every stage of this project.
As stewards of the state’s resources, it is our responsibility to ensure Sarawak’s energy transition is not only bold but also credible and sustainable.
2. Concerns about Green Hydrogen
Green hydrogen is often touted as a clean energy source, yet there are serious concerns that the green hydrogen economy will drive up demand for hydroelectric dams as the production requires significant water and energy resources. These dams have been linked to numerous human rights and environmental violations.
Sarawak has already expressed interest in building hydroelectric cascading dams in Sungai Tutoh (Baram District), Sungai Gaat (Kapit) and in the Belaga District. While the Premier has claimed that local communities consented to these projects, a petition signed by nearly 1,000 impacted residents from Sungai Tutoh suggests otherwise. They assert that no consultation was ever conducted, and no consent was given at the time of the announcement. Copies of these petitions have been presented to the Right Honourable Premier office and the local YB’s office, yet it seems their concerns have not been adequately addressed.
How can this discrepancy exist between what the Premier says and what the communities are experiencing on the ground? This raises a fundamental question about transparency and public consultation.
3. Sarawak Ombudsman Ordinance: Transparency & Access to Public Information
When the Sarawak Ombudsman Bill was introduced, the Deputy Premier who is the Honourable Member from Bukit Sari tabling the current bill assured that the Sarawak Ombudsman Bill would enhance transparency and accountability by allowing the public to report maladministration. However, recent public statement made by Tuan Speaker indicates that this law has yet to be implemented in practice. State ministries and agencies are still not prepared to execute it.
When we talk about protecting Sarawak’s natural resources, whether it is our forests, rivers or biodiversity, we must acknowledge that public oversight is essential. This is where the Ombudsman Ordinance could play a critical role. The challenges Sarawak faces in addressing environmental degradation, deforestation and large-scale development projects demand strong mechanisms of accountability. Without them, environmental regulations risk being undermined and local communities may be left powerless when their livelihoods and ecosystems are threatened.
A functional Ombudsman system could serve as powerful tool to hold government agencies accountable. This would allow Sarawakians to demand explanations, transparency and corrective actions in cases of environmental mismanagement. However, having Sarawak Integrity and Ombudsman Unit to report directly to the Dewan Undangan Negeri alone is insufficient. If Sarawak truly aims to emulate the Swedish Ombudsman model, we should go further. Sweden’s model does not stop at ombudsman oversight. It includes robust transparency laws, such as the Public Access to Information and Secrecy Act and the Freedom of the Press Act. Sarawak needs similar legislation to ensure real accountability, not merely symbolic gestures for international investors. We cannot allow ourselves to be captivated by “pukau”- hypnotized by superficial actions that look good at paper but lack substance. Transparency must be more than a façade. It must be a practice embedded into the core of governance.
Furthermore, the Sarawak government must embrace public participation in shaping legislation. The federal Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) is currently conducting public consultations for the National Climate Change Bill 2.0, allowing all stakeholders, NGOs, citizens businesses to provide their input and feedback on the proposed bill. The public consultation is on-going until 18th November this year. Why shouldn’t Sarawak do the same? Genuine public input is vital if we are serious about governance that serves the people.
If Sarawak is committed to genuine climate action, transparency, accountability and public participation are at the heart of Sarawak’s major environmental policies and decisions. It should not just be lip service. The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process must involve meaningful public consultation. Any feasibility studies must be transparent, with public feedback considered and respected.
