The Premier of Sarawak, Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg, has officially called for an even balance of carbon tax collection within the country, where he has suggested a minimum of 70% of such revenues to be distributed to Sabah and Sarawak. Sarawak is making a legitimate claim of stewardship.

The basis of such demands lies in the importance of the states as major carbon sinkers of the country; due to their status as the main holders of forests in the whole country, they play the important role of oxygen suppliers and are thus crucial in formulating the environmental policy of the country. Abang Johari believes that the legal approach towards carbon taxation needs to change accordingly.

In the continuing negotiation process between the Premier and the federal government, it has been made clear that this economic acknowledgment has been delayed for far too long especially since the effectiveness of the national carbon programs implemented in Malaysia depends greatly on the conservation measures adopted in East Malaysia.

Moreover, it should be ensured that the economic benefits provided through the carbon programs directly flow down to the indigenous communities who play a vital part in safeguarding the country’s climate security.

The extensive peat swamps and thick mangrove swamps in Sarawak represent the key element in the strategy of Malaysia for carbon unspoiled and are an essential ecological buffer in the battle against global warming. While the area in East Malaysia represents a vast natural reservoir of greenhouse gases, the land situation throughout the peninsular part of Malaysia is quite opposite. Apart from the state of Pahang that still has a considerable amount of untoched forest cover, other parts of Peninsular Malaysia lack the adequate high-density forest cover necessary for carbon sequestration. Thus, the conservation and reforestation of the special ecosystems in Sarawak are not only regional issues, but also key elements in meeting environmental targets of Malaysia.

Borneo holds a special and strategic location being situated right in the center of the Asian continent and is the third largest island in the world. Being home to around 23 million people, the island plays a vital role in maintaining the ecological stability of the region.

Above all, it is important to note that it is one of the last remaining refuges of global biodiversity, and more than 60 percent of its total land area is covered with the oldest and most complicated rain forests in the world. Considering all these factors, it becomes extremely important to create a common platform for Borneo.