At the Asia Pacific Climate Week 2023, I had the privilege of engaging in a conversation with Dato’ Haji Ir. Hasni bin Mohammad, the Chairman of the Johor Sustainability Centre. It was a great honor to hear about Dato’ Hasni’s dedication to sustainable development. And his vision for the future of Johor is both inspiring and grounded in practicality.
Accelerating Green Growth with RM180 Million Collaborations
Dato’ Hasni began by shedding light on the significant RM180 million in collaborations that promise to propel Johor into a new era of green growth. “For investments to flourish, the state must boast robust infrastructure,” he emphasized. Johor, strategically located beside Singapore, is gearing up to position itself as a frontrunner in renewable energy development.
He articulated, “Our focus is not merely on attracting investments; it’s about ensuring the state is ready to support green industries wholeheartedly.” In this pursuit, he underscored the importance of aligning governmental readiness with environmental ambitions. “Being strategically located is an advantage only when we are prepared to seize it,” he added.
Navigating the Pitfalls of Memoranda of Understandings (MoUs)
One of the critical concerns raised during our conversation was the effectiveness of Memoranda of Understandings (MoUs). Dato’ Hasni voiced a sentiment shared by many: “An MOU should not be left as just another MOU.” He expressed the fear of seeing agreements lost in the labyrinth of bureaucracy, asserting, “We don’t want to come five years from now, realizing the MOUs we signed are lost in action.”
To address this, the Johor Sustainability Centre, under Dato’ Hasni’s leadership, has taken on the role of vigilant custodians. “Our responsibility is to track and monitor every program initiated during this climate week,” he explained. This proactive approach aims to identify challenges hindering the realization of MOUs, ensuring that each party involved stays true to the purpose of the agreements.
Inclusive Impact: Beyond Industries and Communities
As our conversation delved deeper, Dato’ Hasni stressed the need for initiatives that transcend specific industries and communities. “Climate change affects everyone; it knows no boundaries,” he passionately declared. He acknowledged the universality of climate impacts, citing the unpredictability of natural disasters like floods.
“Floods do not discriminate; they affect any house or community in their path,” he vividly illustrated. Dato’ Hasni echoed the sentiments of Dr. Kusum, emphasizing that every action, regardless of its scale, contributes to a larger cause. “Even though Malaysia’s carbon emission impact is less than 1% compared to other developing countries, it doesn’t absolve us from taking action now,” he asserted.
Dato’ Haji Ir. Hasni bin Mohammad, despite no longer holding the reins of Johor’s government, remains an unwavering force in the state’s sustainable development journey. His leadership at the Johor Sustainability Centre exemplifies a commitment that extends beyond political office, leaving an indelible mark on Johor’s path towards a green and resilient future.
