THE Natural Resources and Environment Bill 2024 will grant Sarawak full authority over its natural resources, environmental management, and pollution control.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said that Sarawak will be able to set its own environmental quality standards to protect flora, fauna, and human health for beneficial uses. The state will have the power to implement measures to achieve these goals.
He assured that this complete authority over environmental elements — such as land, water, and air — will enable Sarawak to manage and protect its natural resources and environment, ensuring a healthier, cleaner, and safer environment.
“The intent of this new Bill is to provide a modern, comprehensive approach to the management of Sarawak’s natural resources and environmental conservation.
“This Bill includes provisions that will empower Sarawak to exercise full authority over critical areas such as resource conservation, environmental management, pollution control, and sustainable development.
“These provisions are intended not only to safeguard Sarawak’s natural assets but also to promote responsible development in alignment with global environmental standards,” he said when tabling the Natural Resources and Environment Bill 2024 in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today.
The Second Minister for Natural Resources and Urban Development added that the new comprehensive law is timely, considering the latest developments in environmental matters and emerging concerns.
Currently, environmental matters in Sarawak are governed by two main pieces of legislation: the Environmental Quality Act 1974 (Act 127), a federal law, and the Natural Resources and Environment Ordinance [Chapter 84] (1958 Edition), a state law.
Since the environment is not listed in the Ninth Schedule of the Federal Constitution, he emphasised it as a residual matter, allowing Sarawak to legislate on environmental issues under Article 77 of the Federal Constitution.
He further asserted that this Bill will come into force on a date to be announced later, in accordance with clause 1(2) of the Bill.
