THE Natural Resources and Environment Bill, 2024, does not merely shift administrative power; it grants Sarawak the tools to enact meaningful environmental change.
Bukit Assek assemblyman Chieng Jin Ek noted that Sarawak’s diverse natural landscape requires effective stewardship, and the Bill would enhance the state’s capacity to safeguard biodiversity, manage pollution, and regulate resource use with rigorous standards.
He said the impending transfer of regulatory authority over ‘Scheduled Waste Disposal’ will allow Sarawak to set higher standards for handling hazardous and flammable substances, enabling responses that are specific to the needs of Sarawak’s industries and communities.
“At the first Technical Committee Meeting under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 Implementation Action Council (MTPMA63) this May, it was proposed that authority over ‘Scheduled Waste Disposal’ be fully delegated to Sarawak by Jan 1, 2026.
“Furthermore, this Bill aligns with Sarawak’s long-term vision of becoming a green, sustainable state, driving sustainable economic growth and improving quality of life for our people.
“It enables us to manage our resources responsibly, prioritising conservation while ensuring future generations inherit a healthy environment,” he said when debating in support of the Natural Resources and Environment Bill, 2024 in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) today.
Chieng asserted that by granting Sarawak greater authority over its natural resources and environmental regulations, the Bill empowers the state government to manage environmental protection and resource sustainability in ways that best serve its unique needs.
He said the introduction of the Bill is timely, as it represents the first legislative step in realising that agreement, enabling Sarawak to implement key provisions of the Environmental Quality Act 1974 (Act 127) tailored to Sarawak’s unique circumstances.
He noted that instead of relying on federal provisions, Sarawak can now establish standards that resonate with its specific environmental and industrial landscape.
