S'wak deputy minister hails teachers as ‘agents of change in shaping greener future'

Borneo Post

14-06-2025

A simple tree-planting programme being carried out to mark the closing of Environmental Education Workshop for Teachers Trainees of PGKS 2025 at IPG Sarawak in Miri.
MIRI (June 15): Teachers are not just educators, but also agents of change in shaping a greener future.
In pointing this out, Sarawak Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Sebastian Ting also highlighted the crucial role of schools and educators in driving environmental consciousness, noting that as the frontliners in nurturing sustainability values in students and communities, they would align with the Sarawak government's broader commitment to environmental preservation.
'Under the leadership of the Premier of Sarawak, the government has introduced forward-looking measures such as the Environmental (Reduction of Greenhouse Gases Emission) Ordinance 2023 and the Sarawak Climate Change Policy.
'Both serve as regulatory frameworks to guide Sarawak's transition toward a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy,' said Ting in his speech for the closing ceremony of Environmental Education Workshop for Teachers Trainees of the Sarawak Teacher Education Institute Campus (IPGKS) 2025, at IPG Sarawak here yesterday.
The Piasau assemblyman also regarded the renewable energy investments including those meant for hydroelectricity, solar energy and biomass, as being central to the state's green growth strategy.
'Simultaneously, efforts to conserve Sarawak's biodiversity continue through the gazettement of national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and permanent forest reserves.
'The state is also undertaking coastal and mangrove restoration through blue carbon strategies.
'It is a testament to the government's long-term environmental vision.
'Collectively, these efforts are in line with Sarawak's goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050,' he said.
Ting also stressed about education still being 'a pillar in building environmental awareness and shaping long-term responsibility'.
The workshop, which involved 56 teacher trainees, aimed to introduce the Kelab Pencinta Alam Sekitar (PALS Club) and its activities, showcase the environmental education modules developed for the club, and foster collaboration between IPGKS, the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB), and relevant stakeholders.
In this respect, Ting said the Sarawak government had approved a special grant amounting to RM13.7 million last year to support the rollout of PALS clubs in all schools by 2030.
'The initiative seeks to build a structured, student-led platform for green leadership, hands-on environmental projects, and peer-driven change.'
He also hailed the teachers as playing a vital role in turning awareness into action, not just through lessons, but by modelling sustainable values and guiding their students to become responsible citizens.
'With the right leadership, our young people will rise as agents of change. Every classroom can become a starting point for climate action,' said Ting, also urging schools to embrace their role in shaping a cleaner, greener Sarawak.
Meanwhile, the NREB Controller of Environmental Quality Sarawak Datu Jack Liam said the PALS club initiative would become an effective platform for students to understand and embrace environmental values through active participation.
'The club allows students to go beyond textbooks and engage in real-life sustainability practices, whether through community clean-ups, tree-planting activities, or eco-friendly campaigns.
'We want to instil environmental awareness in our students from an early age so that they grow up with a deep respect for nature.
'The PALS Club is not just an extracurricular activity – it's a long-term investment in the mindset of our future generation,' he said.
Jack also encouraged teachers to take the lead in guiding their students to carry out PALS activities with creativity and commitment.
'By linking environmental education with action, schools can play a pivotal role in shaping a resilient and environmentally responsible Sarawak.'
Also present were IPGKS director Dr Noraini Omar. envoronment lead miri Sebastian Ting teachers